2003 BMW M3 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (103 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 212 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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 M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
