2004 BMW 118 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 10 kg more than 2004 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 BMW 118. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (305 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 118. 2004 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 118 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
