1998 BMW 318 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 66 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
