2009 BMW 120 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 120 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 2009 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2512 mm |
