1998 BMW 325 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Polo

To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 325 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 426 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1998 BMW 325 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 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 325 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (129 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. 2001 Volkswagen Polo has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1998 BMW 325 2001 Volkswagen Polo
Make BMW Volkswagen
Model 325 Polo
Year Released 1998 2001
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2494 cc 1390 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 170 HP 74 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 245 Nm 129 Nm
Torque RPM 3950 RPM 3800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 76.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 75 mm 75.6 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.5:1 10.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1386 kg 960 kg
Vehicle Length 4480 mm 3900 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1660 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 52 L 55 L