1973 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 960 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 478 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | X3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1471 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 67 L |
