1986 BMW M5 vs. 1991 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1991 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1991 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1991 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 379 kg more than 1991 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 BMW M5 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 M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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 M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Volkswagen Golf. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1991 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1991 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1991 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M5 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2480 mm |
