1983 BMW 316 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volkswagen Passat (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 255 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 BMW 316 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 1983 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1994 Volkswagen Passat (150 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1572 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
