2003 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 24 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2006 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 (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1276 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
