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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 395 kg more than 1973 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (371 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 3. (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 3.
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 | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1665 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 | 80 L |
