Model Year | 2006 | 2006 | |
Model | BMW 3-Series | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | 3.2L I6 DOHC-4v 333 hp@7900 262 lb-ft@4900 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 265 lb-ft@2750 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.7 in | 106.7 in | 2 in |
Length | 178.2 in | 188.2 in | -10 in |
Width | 71.5 in | 71.7 in | -0.2 in |
Height | 55.9 in | 58.0 in | -2.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3503 lb. | 3829 lb. | -326 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.5 in | 38.4 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.4 in | 55.7 in | -0.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.5 in | 41.4 in | 0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.8 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 54.6 in | 0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.6 in | 37.7 in | -3.1 in |
Total Legroom | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | -3 in |
Cargo Volume | 12.0 ft3 | 14.2 ft3 | -2.2 ft3 |
2006 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
More padding, slightly larger than e46 sport seats, fully adjustable side bolsters and the Dakota leather seems thicker and softer than the e-46 leather. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
back support see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Heated, 8-way, with lumbar control: seems to have comfort covered for most drivers (wheel does not telescope). see full BMW 3-Series review |
2005 | 2dr Coupe 333-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
My M3 is the only sports car I found that will comfortably fit a baby seat in the rear. :) see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
very little leg room. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2007 | 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
I have the coupe, the back seats are just an afterthought. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Too small & cramped. Fit and finish was much less desirable than my past 1998 5 series BMW. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Small. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Entering and exiting and overall seat comfort are not designed for taller or larger drivers see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
A little tight for taller adults. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The rear seats are comfortable, but due to the size of/shortness of the car there is not much legroom, a full size adult will have trouble getting their feet into the footwells. Mind you, the trunk space is immense for such a small car. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
There is little foot room and the ride is rough. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
cramped see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
what room see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
larger than chief competitors (BMW 3 series, Audi A4) see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Well bolstered seat, best seat heaters I ever had (have had Land Rovers and own a SAAB). see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good amount of rear leg room see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room in the front seat without squeezing the backseat. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room in the back seats. Room for three comfortably. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2005 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual AWD |
Firm, but not hard, adj lumbar, good wearing materials see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Soft, well supporting seats see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good for adults see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
No thigh support, not as comfortable as my 2000 Passat see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
My two teenagers complain that the rear seat cushion is low and not very comfortable to sit on for long distances. the leg room is great. see full Volkswagen Passat review |