2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW X5
To start off, 2012 BMW X5 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X5 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 299 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X5 weights approximately 1084 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 2012 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 BMW X5 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (149 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 BMW X5 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 X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | X5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 2440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2933 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 85 L |
