2012 BMW 530 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 9 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 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (238 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 530 weights approximately 242 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 2012 BMW 530 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 2012 BMW 530. 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, 2012 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW 530 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 530 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4899 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1464 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2968 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
