1988 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP) has 129 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 865 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 520 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 182 HP |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
