2005 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (129 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 525 weights approximately 124 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 525 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 525. 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (335 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 525 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.2 L/100km | 4.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
