2008 BMW 523 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 176 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 3.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
