2004 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 147 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 2011 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1548 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 4.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
