2004 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 8 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2012 BMW 530 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 2012 BMW 530. 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, 2012 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 530 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.3 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
