1972 BMW 3 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (198 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 175 kg more than 1972 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
