2008 BMW M3 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (252 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 147 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2008 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
