1996 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 1996 BMW M3 and 1996 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1996 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 M3 (320 Nm) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (165 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
