1996 BMW 525 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 102 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2013 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. 2013 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. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
