2002 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 34 kg more than 2002 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 BMW 318 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 2002 BMW 318. 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 (310 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318. 2002 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1534 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
