1990 BMW 518 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 518 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 210 kg more than 1990 BMW 518.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 518. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 518 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
