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BMW 1 Series vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (28800 £ vs 25200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or VW Golf?

BMW 1 Series vs VW Golf: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • to a small extent cheaper
  • slight more power
  • convincingly more efficient
  • hardly perceptible quicker from 0–100 km/h
  • a bit lighter
  • minimal more trunk space

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Golf has a to a small extent advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £ , while the BMW 1 Series costs 28800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3605 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the BMW 1 Series with 4.30 L. The difference is about 3.20 L per 100 km.

Golf

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf has a slight edge – offering 333 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 33 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is hardly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the BMW 1 Series takes 4.90 s. That’s about 0.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs minimal better – reaching 270 km/h, while the BMW 1 Series tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls minimal stronger with 420 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm difference.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf is a bit lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1465 kg. The difference is around 158 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers minimal more room – 381 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 1 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf performs minimal better – up to 1237 L, which is about 37 L more than the BMW 1 Series.

When it comes to payload, BMW 1 Series minimal takes the win – 510 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 2 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

Frequently compared as well

VW Golf
VW T-Roc
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The VW Golf still sets the benchmark in the compact class — a composed, all‑round hatch that rewards drivers with precise steering, efficient engines and sensible practicality for daily life. The VW T‑Roc trades a bit of that pinch‑perfect poise for SUV style, a higher seating position and a …
VW Golf
VW Taigo
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The VW Golf remains the benchmark compact hatchback with precise handling, sensible packaging and a grown-up interior that rewards drivers who value refinement and everyday usability; the Taigo, by contrast, trades some practicality for SUV looks and a higher ride, offering bolder styling, slightly …
BMW 1 Series
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £25,200
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
details

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

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VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

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Reviews BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
BMW 1 Series
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
28800 - 51100 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1465 - 1625 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4361 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1800 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1459 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1135 - 1200 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1499 - 1998 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
VW

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What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.