2008 BMW 550 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2008 BMW 550 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 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 113 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2008 BMW 550 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 550. 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, 2008 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 BMW 550 2005 Volkswagen Passat
Make BMW Volkswagen
Model 550 Passat
Year Released 2008 2005
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2497 cc 2771 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 5 valves
Horse Power 362 HP 190 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 3200 RPM
Torque 491 Nm 280 Nm
Torque RPM 3400 RPM 3200 RPM
Top Speed 235 km/hour 238 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 5.9 seconds 7.8 seconds
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1660 kg 1547 kg
Vehicle Length 4850 mm 4710 mm
Vehicle Width 1490 mm 1750 mm
Vehicle Height 1850 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 2890 mm 2710 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 11.1 L/100km 10.9 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 62 L