2009 BMW 523 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 4 kg more than 2009 BMW 523.
Because 2009 BMW 523 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 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1529 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
