2006 BMW X3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW X3 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW X3 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW X3 weights approximately 325 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW X3 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW X3. (291 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW X3 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
