1996 BMW 525 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 744 kg more than 1996 BMW 525. 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, 2011 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
