1988 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 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 2,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 146 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1459 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
