2003 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 113 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, 2007 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 M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2007 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1498 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
