1988 BMW 316 vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 735 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1988 BMW 316 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 1988 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2512 mm |
