2008 BMW 325 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (103 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 325 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2008 BMW 325 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 2008 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 325.

Compare all specifications:

2008 BMW 325 2003 Volkswagen Golf
Make BMW Volkswagen
Model 325 Golf
Year Released 2008 2003
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2493 cc 1983 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 189 HP 103 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 245 Nm 250 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 1900 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 79.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 75 mm 95.5 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 19.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Diesel
Top Speed 240 km/hour 187 km/hour
Acceleration 0-100mph 7.3 seconds 11.3 seconds
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1495 kg 1280 kg
Vehicle Length 4490 mm 4210 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1770 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1490 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2580 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 9.1 L/100km 5 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 55 L