1985 BMW 324 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1985 BMW 324 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Golf (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1985 BMW 324. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 324 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1985 BMW 324 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 1985 BMW 324. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1985 BMW 324 (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 324 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
