1981 BMW 528 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1981 BMW 528 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 528 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 528 | Passat |
Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1587 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 181 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 240 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 23.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |