1994 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1994 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M3 (281 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M3 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 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 1994 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1994 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M3 | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
