2005 BMW X3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW X3 would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW X3 (184 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (139 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW X3 weights approximately 645 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 BMW X3 (420 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2005 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW X3 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
