2006 BMW M3 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW M3 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 2006 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (150 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
