2009 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 962 kg more than 2002 BMW Z3.
Because 2002 BMW Z3 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 2002 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Passat | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
