2006 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 2006 BMW M3 and 2006 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 225 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (113 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 126 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 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 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 11.4 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 | 1423 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
