2011 BMW Z4 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 BMW Z4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW Z4 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 92 kg more than 2011 BMW Z4.
Because 2011 BMW Z4 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 2011 BMW Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2011 BMW Z4 (298 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW Z4 | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z4 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4239 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1791 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2497 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
