1988 BMW 525 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 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, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (129 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 21 kg more than 1988 BMW 525.
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, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (335 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
