2010 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 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 49 kg more than 2010 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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Volkswagen Golf | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 320 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1346 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4201 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1786 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1481 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
