2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 5 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 656 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 2008 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 BMW 5 Series. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2013 BMW 5 Series 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. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.1 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1204 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
