2012 BMW X1 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 BMW X1 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW X1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X1 (176 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X1 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X1 weights approximately 460 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 X1 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X1 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, 2012 BMW X1 (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 BMW X1 has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW X1 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW X1 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X1 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4454 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1798 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1545 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2512 mm |
