1990 BMW 518 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 91 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 518 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
