1972 BMW 3 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 39 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 936 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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, 2011 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 3 | Passat |
Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 2310 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1480 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1830 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2720 mm |