1988 BMW M3 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 45 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (150 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
