2004 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 2004 BMW M3 and 2004 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (2004). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (270 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 296 kg more than 2004 BMW M3.
Because 2004 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, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW M3. (350 Nm). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
