2010 BMW 120 vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 BMW 120 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 32 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 132 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Because 2010 BMW 120 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 2010 BMW 120. 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, 2010 BMW 120 (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 2010 BMW 120 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. 2010 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 BMW 120 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2010 | 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 | 168 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 341 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
