2005 BMW M3 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2005 BMW M3 (337 Nm) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 12.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
