1996 BMW 730 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 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 730 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1996 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 183 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1996 BMW 730 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 730. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 730. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 730. 2013 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 730 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 730 | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 730 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1746 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
