2001 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 BMW X5
To start off, 2012 BMW X5 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X5 (555 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 387 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X5 weights approximately 1180 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 X5 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 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 (677 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 452 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 BMW X5 has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | X5 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2324 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 555 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 677 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 2435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4851 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1994 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1763 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2933 mm |
