2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 6 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), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 470 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 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 BMW X3 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | X3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.9 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
