2008 BMW 550 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 2008 BMW 550 and 2008 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 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 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (335 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 550 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
