2002 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3
To start off, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 weights approximately 630 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 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 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | ActiveHybrid 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4148 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1735 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2512 mm | 2810 mm |
