1996 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 665 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 420 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW X3 | |
Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
Model | Passat | X3 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1781 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 256 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 560 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | AWD |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1875 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1881 mm |