1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 715 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 444 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | X3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2810 mm |
