1998 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW X1
To start off, 2012 BMW X1 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW X1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X1 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X1 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X1 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X1 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X1 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, 2012 BMW X1 (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 BMW X1 has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW X1 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW X1 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | X1 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4454 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1798 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1545 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
