2004 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 875 kg more than 2004 BMW 318.
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, 2011 Volkswagen T5, 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, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 159 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 18.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
