2003 BMW M3 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 10 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. (276 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 178 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, 2013 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, both vehicles can yield 350 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2013 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. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
