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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. (101 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 63 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
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 | 1796 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1310 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 45 L |
