1983 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2011 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 120 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
