1988 BMW 524 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 524. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, both vehicles can yield 210 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 524 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
