@ BMW Group Press
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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BMW 1 Series vs VW Golf – Which car suits you better?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or VW Golf?

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

1 Series @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

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 @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

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 @ BMW Group Press

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

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 comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf shows itself to be leaves the rival little chance and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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)
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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.

details
P90460899_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press
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P90460910_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press
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P90460954_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press

VW Golf

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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DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02116_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02120_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02082_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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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 and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.