2004 BMW 525 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 93 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2004 BMW 525 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 2004 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2004 BMW 525 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.3 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
