1998 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 13 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (178 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 126 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1269 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
