2003 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
