2009 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 265 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (181 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318. 2004 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
