2011 BMW 550 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 554 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 550 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 2011 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 449 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 550 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 550 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4400 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 609 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4905 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1463 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2969 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
