2005 BMW 330 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 BMW 330 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 330 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 330 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 330 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 2005 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2005 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (121 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. 2005 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 330 | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 330 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 42 L |
