2011 BMW 740 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW 740 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 740 (315 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 740 weights approximately 519 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 740 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 2011 BMW 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2011 BMW 740 (447 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 740 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 740 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5075 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1902 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1481 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3071 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 70 L |
