1998 BMW 320 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 39 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 320 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 1998 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
