2008 BMW 523 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 5 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 384 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 2008 BMW 523 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 523. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 523 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
