2009 BMW 120 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 120. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
