2006 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 39 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 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 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (351 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
