2003 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 13 kg more than 2003 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 BMW 320 (350 Nm) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
