1995 BMW M5 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,794 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M5 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 BMW M5 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 1995 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1995 BMW M5 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M5 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M5 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3794 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
