2001 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 837 kg more than 2001 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW 320 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 2001 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2009 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
