1998 BMW 325 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 139 kg more than 1998 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 325. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325. 2001 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 325 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 62 L |
