2009 BMW 120 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 120 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 147 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.6 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
