2003 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 141 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2003 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | M3 | Passat |
Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2495 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 300 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 78.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1583 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |