2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2011 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (140 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 120 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
