2009 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 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 291 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 65 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Because 2004 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, 2004 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 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.1 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
