2009 BMW 545 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 BMW 545 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 545 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 545 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 545. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (150 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 545 | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 545 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1215 kg |
