2003 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf

To start off, both 2003 BMW 318 and 2003 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.

Compare all specifications:

2003 BMW 318 2003 Volkswagen Golf
Make BMW Volkswagen
Model 318 Golf
Year Released 2003 2003
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1994 cc 1984 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 141 HP 113 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5400 RPM
Torque 271 Nm 172 Nm
Torque RPM 3750 RPM 3200 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1260 kg 1105 kg
Vehicle Length 4270 mm 4148 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1735 mm
Vehicle Height 1410 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2512 mm