2008 BMW 325 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 670 kg more than 2008 BMW 325.
Because 2008 BMW 325 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 2008 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 325. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 325 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 234 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
