2011 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 193 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Volkswagen Passat | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Passat | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.1 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
