1996 BMW 525 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 800 kg more than 1996 BMW 525.
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, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 525. 2009 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 525 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 525 | Passat |
Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 2310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1480 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1830 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |