1998 BMW 318 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 318. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2007 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2007 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
