2007 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,595 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 200 kg more than 2012 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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 120 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (359 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 120 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3595 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
