2009 BMW M3 vs. 1994 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 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 325 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen Passat. (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1994 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 14.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
