1988 BMW 525 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,441 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 247 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1988 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2441 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
