2004 BMW 320 vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (142 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 320 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 2004 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 2004 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. (133 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
