1994 BMW 518 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 518 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 44 kg more than 1994 BMW 518.
Because 1994 BMW 518 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 1994 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (335 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 518 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1421 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1204 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
