2001 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 635 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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 X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | X3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.7 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.3 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
