BMW 3 Series vs. Volkswagen Passat

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Volkswagen Passat contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW 3 Series and the Volkswagen Passat.

When we compare the BMW 3 Series's and the Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The Volkswagen Passat has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series's and the Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series is a better car than the Volkswagen Passat.

Pricing: A used 2022 BMW 3 Series ranges from $28,190 to $51,623 while a used 2022 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $17,888 to $26,226.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Passat loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Passat retains 7.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 3 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.6 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 3 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 8 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.4 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Passat the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Passat.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles.This gives the BMW 3 Series the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volkswagen Passat the advantage in maximum range. The 3 Series uses premium unleaded, and the Passat uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of front head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the BMW 3 Series has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Passat, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.86 out of 5 Stars.