2008 BMW 523 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 94 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (335 Nm) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
