1996 BMW 528 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1996 BMW 528. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 528 weights approximately 187 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 528. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 528. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 528.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 528 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 528 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
