1999 BMW 330 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1999 BMW 330 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 330 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 BMW 330 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 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1999 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 330 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 330 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
