1988 BMW 525 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 525 (239 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
