1994 BMW 518 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 BMW 518 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1994 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 185 kg more than 1994 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1994 BMW 518. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 518 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
