1984 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 567 kg more than 1984 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 BMW 318 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 1984 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 318 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
