1996 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2009 BMW 630
To start off, 2009 BMW 630 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 630 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 630 (268 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 630 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 630 weights approximately 608 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 630 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 2009 BMW 630. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2009 BMW 630 (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 630 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 BMW 630 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 630 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Passat | 2009 BMW 630 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 630 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
