2004 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 7 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 225 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 2011 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 2011 BMW 520. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1786 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 4.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
