2004 BMW 535 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 BMW 535 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 535 weights approximately 760 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 535 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 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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 535 (561 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 446 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 535 | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 535 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 561 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2480 mm |
