1989 BMW 850 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 190 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
Because 1989 BMW 850 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 1989 BMW 850. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 62 L |
