2009 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 432 kg more than 2012 BMW X3.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | X3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
