1996 BMW 725 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 483 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2001 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 725. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1996 BMW 725 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 725 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2520 mm |
