1988 BMW 535 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 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 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 28 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 535 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
