1994 BMW M5 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 BMW M5 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 3,795 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M5 (340 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 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 M5. 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, 1994 BMW M5 (401 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M5 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18 L/100km | 12.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
