2003 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 7 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
