1996 BMW 730 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 BMW 730 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 730 (190 HP) has 137 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Golf. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 730 weights approximately 916 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 730 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 1996 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1996 BMW 730 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 730 | 1984 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 730 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 1746 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
