2006 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 6 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 30 kg more than 2012 BMW Z4.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW Z4. 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
