1988 BMW 535 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 535 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 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (306 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 535 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 62 L |
