2006 BMW 120 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 120 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 120 weights approximately 294 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 120 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 2006 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2006 BMW 120 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 120 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
