1988 BMW 520 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 520 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 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1994 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1994 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
