2004 BMW 120 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 149 kg more than 2004 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 120 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 2004 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 120. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1534 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.6 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.7 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
