2009 BMW 320 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 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 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2009 BMW 320 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 320. 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 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
