1998 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 11 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 66 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Polo.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1998 BMW 318 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (85 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.9 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
