2012 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2009 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 35 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 2009 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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, both vehicles can yield 250 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2009 BMW 525 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. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 2009 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 525 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4771 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1516 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2712 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
