1990 BMW 316 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 540 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
