2006 BMW 523 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 2 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 2,497 cc, 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 551 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 523 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 2006 BMW 523. 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, 2006 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1896 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
