2004 BMW M3 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,003 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (317 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. (270 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M3 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2001 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW M3. (355 Nm). This means 2001 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 2001 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 4003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.4 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 19.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
