How much BHP does the BMW 1.6 (1996) and the Golf GTi 1.8/2.0 (1996) have?
BMW 316i compact = 0 - 60 mph?
Golf GTi 1.8/2.0 = 0 - 60 mph?

let's see how much you all know about cars then :)

I can tell you something that'll get you further than the stats you've mentioned. Both the 316 Compact and the Golf III aren't exactly the pick of the litter when it comes to cars, because the BMW revs high and sounds stretched on the motorway, and its repair history is alarming compared to the full saloon versions. The Golf III will be great to drive, especially the 2.0, but it's niggle-ridden almost as badly as a French car, and will cause you costly repairs.
Take it from someone who's been there, get either a BMW318i saloon or even 320 (6 cylinders, friend), or a Golf IV, but beware its electrics, they aren't exactly tops either (choose anything but the 1.4, and careful with the higher-powered TDis, they like blowing a head gasket every once in a while; the 110hp version has plenty guts, more than any of the petrol versions, because of its turbo and low-end torque, and will live).