1999 BMW 540 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 312 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (321 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 540 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1459 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
