2003 BMW 530 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 149 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 530. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 530 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
