2003 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
