2009 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 320 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 (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 124 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 2009 BMW 320 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 320. 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, 2009 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 320 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2009 | 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 | 175 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.6 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
