1986 BMW M3 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1986 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M3 (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M3 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 BMW M3 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 1986 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1986 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2560 mm |
