1986 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M3 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 49 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 350 kg more than 1986 BMW M3.
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, 2007 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
