1986 BMW 735 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1986 BMW 735 is newer by 5 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 735 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 735 (220 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 735 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW 735 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 BMW 735 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 1986 BMW 735. 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, 1986 BMW 735 (315 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 BMW 735 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 735 | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 735 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 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 | 1590 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
