1990 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 310 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
Because 1990 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 1990 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (351 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
