2011 BMW X3 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW X3 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X3 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X3 weights approximately 521 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW X3 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1915 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4648 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1882 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1661 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2807 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
