2001 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 118 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 118 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 118 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 2012 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2012 BMW 118 (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 118 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
