2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 285 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 1990 BMW 850 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 1990 BMW 850. 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 1990 BMW 850 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. 1990 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 850 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4769 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
