2003 BMW X3 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 X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW X3 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW X3 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X3 weights approximately 510 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW X3 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
