2005 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 206 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 Volkswagen Passat (335 Nm) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1584 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
