2006 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (155 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 88 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
Because 2011 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 2011 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2011 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 120 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
