1996 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Golf. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 798 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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 M3 (305 Nm) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Golf. (252 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2480 mm |
