1996 BMW 525 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 BMW 525 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 543 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 525 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 1996 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1996 BMW 525 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 525 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 525 | Passat |
Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1587 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 279 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |