2009 BMW 130 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 BMW 130 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 130 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 130 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 130 weights approximately 345 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 130 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 130. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 130 (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 130 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 130 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 130 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 130 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2512 mm |
