2008 BMW 120 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 222 kg more than 2008 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 120 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 2008 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
