2009 BMW 120 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 1 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 241 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 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, 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, 2009 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 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 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| 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 | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
