1986 BMW 316 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1986 BMW 316 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 316 (86 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (70 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 16 kg more than 1986 BMW 316.
Because 1986 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 1986 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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 Volkswagen Passat (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 316 | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 70 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
