2006 BMW 120 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 BMW 120 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2006 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW 120. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 BMW 120 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 120 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
