2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 4 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 520. 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
