2009 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 1 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 35 kg more than 2009 BMW 525.
Because 2009 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
