2009 BMW M3 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 257 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
