2009 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 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 310 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 103 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Passat.

Compare all specifications:

2009 BMW M3 2007 Volkswagen Passat
Make BMW Volkswagen
Model M3 Passat
Year Released 2009 2007
Body Type Coupe 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 4 valves
Horse Power 414 HP 104 HP
Engine RPM 8300 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 400 Nm 250 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 183 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 4.6 seconds 12.1 seconds
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1525 kg 1422 kg
Vehicle Length 4620 mm 4770 mm
Vehicle Width 1420 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1760 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 2770 mm 2720 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 11.9 L/100km 5.9 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 70 L