1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 1998 BMW Z3 and 1998 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW Z3 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 Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2480 mm |
