1988 BMW Z1 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 35 kg more than 1988 BMW Z1.
Because 1988 BMW Z1 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 Z1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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 Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW Z1 | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z1 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
