1998 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 318 | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
Model | 318 | Golf |
Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1093 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 49 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 79 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 69.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 750 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3830 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 45 L |