2009 BMW 320 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 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 119 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2009 BMW 320 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 320. 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 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
