1997 BMW 850 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 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 159 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 475 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
