2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 3 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 506 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 2011 BMW 520 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 2011 BMW 520. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
