1990 BMW 850 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 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (247 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 850 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 850 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 850 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 68 L |
