1988 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 24 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 640 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 640 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 595 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 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 640. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 BMW 640 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. 2012 BMW 640 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 640 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1763 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
