2006 BMW X3 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 BMW X3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW X3 (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW X3 weights approximately 735 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (291 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW X3 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
