2003 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 2003 BMW M3 and 2003 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (103 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 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 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 4.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
