1996 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 16 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 525. 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 BMW 525 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. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 525 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
