2000 BMW Z3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 105 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3.
Because 2000 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 2000 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 62 L |
