1993 BMW 316 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (108 HP @ 4150 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1993 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1993 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 316 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1993 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 1993 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 316 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
