1998 BMW Z3 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 72 kg more than 1998 BMW Z3.
Because 1998 BMW Z3 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 Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1532 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
