1997 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW 740
To start off, 2012 BMW 740 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 740 (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 740 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 740 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 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW 740 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 740 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4150 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5215 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3210 mm |
