2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 523. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (282 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 523 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 282 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
