2006 BMW 523 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 274 kg more than 2010 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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 2010 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
