2008 BMW X5 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW X5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW X5 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X5 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X5 weights approximately 634 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW X5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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 X5 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 BMW X5 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X5 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X5 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 70 L |
