1971 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 43 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
Because 1971 BMW 3 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 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1423 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2720 mm |
