1977 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 142 kg more than 1977 BMW 520.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 520. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 520. 1999 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12 seconds | 11.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
