1983 BMW 525 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 410 kg more than 1983 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 525. (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 525. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
