1993 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 228 more horse power than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. (172 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 646 kg more than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 374 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1993 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1993 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 550 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1859 mm |
