1998 BMW 318 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 35 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 318. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
