1999 BMW 323 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 6 kg more than 1999 BMW 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 BMW 323 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 1999 BMW 323. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 323 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1463 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
