1998 BMW 730 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 BMW 730. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 730 weights approximately 245 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1998 BMW 730 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 1998 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, both vehicles can yield 280 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 730 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 730 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 730 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 730 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
