1988 BMW M6 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 M6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M6 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M6 (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (280 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 58 kg more than 1988 BMW M6.
Because 1988 BMW M6 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 M6. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M6. (334 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M6. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M6 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M6 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M6 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
