1983 BMW 525 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,691 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 525 (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 193 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1983 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1983 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 1983 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1983 BMW 525 2005 Volkswagen Passat
Make BMW Volkswagen
Model 525 Passat
Year Released 1983 2005
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2691 cc 1597 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 123 HP 113 HP
Engine RPM 4250 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 240 Nm 155 Nm
Torque RPM 3250 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 76.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 81 mm 86.9 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 12.0:1
Top Speed 183 km/hour 200 km/hour
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1500 kg 1307 kg
Vehicle Length 4630 mm 4710 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1750 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2580 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 70 L