1986 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 1986 BMW M3 and 1986 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (1986). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 61 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (136 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M3 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volkswagen Passat. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1986 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2226 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
