1990 BMW 316 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 18 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 420 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316. 2008 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. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
