2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (54 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 502 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW Z4 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 Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Z4 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z4 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
