2008 BMW 525 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 575 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 525 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 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2008 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 525 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
