1990 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | M3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.2 L/100km | 17.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
