1988 BMW 316 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 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 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 486 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316. 2006 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
