1990 BMW 850 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 850 (297 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 850 weights approximately 601 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 850 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 1990 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1990 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 850 | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1189 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
