1973 BMW 3 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 104 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
