2004 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2009 BMW 316
To start off, 2009 BMW 316 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2009 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 95 kg more than 2009 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 316 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 2009 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 316. (175 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Passat | 2009 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 316 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1786 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 63 L |
