2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2006 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 57 kg more than 2006 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 318 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 2006 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318. 2006 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2006 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1967 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1532 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.2 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
