2003 BMW 318 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,801 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Passat (151 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 36 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Volkswagen Passat (279 Nm) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (175 Nm). This means 2000 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2000 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2801 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
