1990 BMW 316 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,994 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1990 BMW 316 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 1990 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (167 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2560 mm |
