1997 BMW 850 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 1035 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2480 mm |
