1973 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 35 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 90 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 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 70 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
Because 1973 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 1973 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 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 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 113 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 | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 11.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
