2009 BMW 650 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (361 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 287 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 650 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 650 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 650. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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 650 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 650 | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 650 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 361 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2480 mm |
