1996 BMW 740 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 740 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 740 weights approximately 509 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 740 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 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 740 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 1996 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 740 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 740 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
