2008 BMW 118 vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 118 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 8 kg more than 2008 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2008 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 118 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 118 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
