2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2010 BMW X3
To start off, 2010 BMW X3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW X3 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW X3 weights approximately 631 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 2010 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 BMW X3 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, 2010 BMW X3 (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2010 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2010 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | X3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1189 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4569 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1676 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
