2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1983 BMW 325
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 325 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 326 kg more than 1983 BMW 325.
Because 1983 BMW 325 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 1983 BMW 325. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 325. (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 1983 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 325 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
