2003 BMW 730 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 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 730 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 730 weights approximately 362 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 730 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 730. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 730. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 730. 2003 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 730 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 730 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
