2008 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 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 (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 86 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW M3 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | M3 | Passat |
Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 339 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 200 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1484 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4771 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1516 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |