1997 BMW 850 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 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 215 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 467 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 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 335 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2720 mm |
