2012 BMW X3 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 BMW X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 BMW X3 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 432 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 2012 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, 2012 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, 2012 BMW X3 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW X3 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | X3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4648 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1881 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1675 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 5.3 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
