2004 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 320 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 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 997 kg more than 2004 BMW 320.
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, 2009 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 (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
