1996 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 17 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 1 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (125 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2013 BMW 1 Series 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 2013 BMW 1 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (169 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Passat | 2013 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4373 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1919 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
