2003 BMW 530 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 505 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 530 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 2003 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 530 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 13.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
