1998 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 154 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1998 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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 320 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.

Compare all specifications:

1998 BMW 320 2004 Volkswagen Golf
Make BMW Volkswagen
Model 320 Golf
Year Released 1998 2004
Body Type Sedan Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1951 cc 1388 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 134 HP 74 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 281 Nm 126 Nm
Torque RPM 1750 RPM 3800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 76.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 88 mm 75.6 mm
Top Speed 208 km/hour 161 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 9.9 seconds 16.2 seconds
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1450 kg 1296 kg
Vehicle Length 4480 mm 4210 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1770 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1590 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Consumption 4.5 L/100km 5.7 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 7.7 L/100km 9.7 L/100km
Fuel Consumption Overall 5.7 L/100km 7.1 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 55 L