2007 BMW 550 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 10 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 2,497 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 570 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 2007 BMW 550 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 2007 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2007 BMW 550 (491 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (127 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 550 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 550 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 14 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
