1989 BMW 518 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1989 BMW 518 is newer by 1 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 35 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. 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 1989 BMW 518. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 518 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2490 mm |
