1996 BMW 725 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 BMW 725 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 725 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 725 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 725. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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 725 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (150 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 725 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
