1999 BMW 330 vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 BMW 330 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 330 (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (136 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 330 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 BMW 330 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 1999 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1999 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 330 | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 330 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2226 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
