2004 BMW 118 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 118 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 11 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 2004 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 2004 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 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 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 118 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
