2008 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 487 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 BMW X3 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. 2012 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | X3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 300 HP |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
