2006 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (247 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 5 kg more than 2011 BMW M3.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3167 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
