2004 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 284 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2004 BMW 318 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
