2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2006 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 530 (216 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 530 weights approximately 422 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 530 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 2006 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2006 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2006 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 530 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
