1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 BMW X5
To start off, 2012 BMW X5 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X5 (304 HP @ 440 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X5 weights approximately 1010 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 2012 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 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 X5 (600 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | X5 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 304 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 440 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2933 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
