2006 BMW Z4 vs. 2002 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW Z4 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW Z4 weights approximately 28 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW Z4 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 Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Z4 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Passat. 2002 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 2002 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z4 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
