2007 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 BMW 1 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 1 Series is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 1 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 1 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 1 Series should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 1 Series weights approximately 267 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 1 Series 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 2013 BMW 1 Series. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2013 BMW 1 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 1 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. 2007 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 1 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 1 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 BMW 1 Series | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Golf | 1 Series |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4373 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1919 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1408 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
