2000 BMW 520 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2000 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 520 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 520. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2000 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2000 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 520 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
