2004 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 BMW 520 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 520 | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
