1990 BMW 518 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 947 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 518 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 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 518 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
