2003 BMW X3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW X3 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X3 weights approximately 381 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW X3. 2003 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW X3 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1459 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
