2006 BMW 330 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 330 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 BMW 330. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2006 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (206 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 330 | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 330 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2327 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
