2003 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 326 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 945 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 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 479 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4148 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1735 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2512 mm | 2968 mm |
