1995 BMW S3 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1995 BMW S3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW S3 weights approximately 780 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1995 BMW S3 (260 Nm) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Passat. (85 Nm). This means 1995 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | S3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2480 mm |
