1984 BMW 725 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1984 BMW 725 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 725 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1984 BMW 725 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 725. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1984 BMW 725 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 725 | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 725 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2400 mm |
