2008 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (248 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 5 kg more than 2008 BMW M3.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. 2009 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
