BMW 3 series 2008 vs Volkswagen Golf 2009

 
BMW 3 series
2008 - 2012
Volkswagen Golf
2009 - 2013
Gearbox: ManualManual
Engine: 1.6 Petrol1.6 Petrol
Camshaft drive: Timing chainTiming belt
Engine chain usually needs to be replaced less often than the timing belt, but the cost of replacing the chain is usually higher. Chain motors are considered to be more reliable, but noisier and more vibration generating.

Performance

Power: 122 HP102 HP
Torque: 160 NM148 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 11 seconds11.9 seconds
BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive.
BMW 3 series engine produces 20 HP more power than Volkswagen Golf, whereas torque is 12 NM more than Volkswagen Golf. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.9 seconds faster.

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption (l/100km): 6.17.2
Real fuel consumption: 7.2 l/100km7.3 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy.
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Volkswagen Golf, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 165 litres of fuel.
By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Volkswagen Golf.
Fuel tank capacity: 63 litres55 litres
Full fuel tank distance: 1030 km in combined cycle760 km in combined cycle
1230 km on highway960 km on highway
870 km with real consumption750 km with real consumption
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.

Drive type

Wheel drive type: Rear wheel drive (RWD)Front wheel drive (FWD)

Engines

Average engine lifespan: 330'000 km480'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a Volkswagen Golf engine could be longer.
Engine production duration: 6 years10 years
Engine spread: Used also on BMW 1 sērijaInstalled on at least 5 other car models, including Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Touran, Audi A3
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Volkswagen Golf might be a better choice in this respect.

Dimensions

Length: 4.53 m4.53 m
Width: 1.82 m1.78 m
Height: 1.44 m1.50 m
BMW 3 series and Volkswagen Golf are practically the same length.
Trunk capacity: 460 litres505 litres
Trunk max capacity:
with rear seats folded down
no data1495 litres
Volkswagen Golf has more luggage space.
BMW 3 series has 45 litres less trunk space than the Volkswagen Golf.
Turning diameter: 11 meters10.9 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.1 metres more than that of the Volkswagen Golf.
Gross weight (kg): 1`9601`890
Safety: no data
Quality:
above average

above average
BMW 3 series has slightly fewer faults.
Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for Volkswagen Golf, so BMW 3 series quality could be a bit better.
Average price (€): 58004200
Rating in user reviews: 7.3/10 8.5/10
Pros and Cons: BMW 3 sērija has
  • timing chain engine
  • more power
  • more dynamic
  • lower fuel consumption
  • more full fuel tank mileage
Volkswagen Golf has
  • timing belt engine
  • longer expected engine lifespan
  • roomier boot
  • higher ratings in user reviews
  • lower price
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