If fuel cost matters most
Volkswagen Passat with up to 53 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Volkswagen Passat vs BMW 3 Series
Volkswagen Passat and BMW 3 Series answer the same shopping question from different directions. The Passat is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the 3 Series reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | Volkswagen Passat | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 1973 - present | 1975 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 218 hp | 382 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 53 MPG | 41 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | 4★ | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2023/2019) | 0 | 0 |
| Latest dimensions | 4767 × 1832 × 1456 mm | 4709 × 1827 × 1435 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1545 kg (3406 lbs) | 1600 kg (3527 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
If power matters most
BMW 3 Series with a verified peak of 382 hp.
If safety is the filter
BMW 3 Series, based on the newest NHTSA overall star rating on file.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Volkswagen PassatPassat B8 1.5 TSI | BMW 3 Series3 Series G20 320i 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 | I4 |
| Displacement | 1.5L (1498 cc) | 2.0L (1998 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 290 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 8.9 s | 7.1 s |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h | 235 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch | Automatic |
| Gears | 7 | 8 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 37.0 MPG | 35.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 51.0 MPG | 47.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 44.0 MPG | 41.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | 128 g/km | 139 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4767 mm | 4709 mm |
| Width | 1832 mm | 1827 mm |
| Height | 1456 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2791 mm | 2851 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1405 kg | 1500 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Passat or the 3 Series?
Volkswagen Passat wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 53 MPG, versus 41 MPG for the BMW 3 Series.
Which has more horsepower, the Passat or the 3 Series?
BMW 3 Series reaches the higher verified peak at 382 hp, compared with 218 hp for the Volkswagen Passat.
Which is safer: Passat or 3 Series?
Volkswagen Passat has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of 4★; BMW 3 Series has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.