1997 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 1997 BMW M3 and 1997 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
