2004 BMW 525 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (193 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 318 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2004 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
