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BMW 1 Series vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or VW Golf Variant?

BMW 1 Series vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
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VW Golf Variant

  • very slightly cheaper
  • marginally lighter
  • clearly more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

1 Series

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 Variant is very slightly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the BMW 1 Series costs 29,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 510 £.

Both cars consume an average of 4.3 L/100km – no difference here.

Golf Variant

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 1 Series offers clearly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 96 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 6.5 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 1 Series delivers only slightly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 40 Nm more.

1 Series

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 terms of curb weight, VW Golf Variant is marginally lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,465 kg. The difference is around 99 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers clearly more boot space – 611 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 231 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries only slightly more – 547 kg compared to 510 kg. That’s a difference of about 37 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series stands out in the key areas 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.

from £29,400
1 Series

BMW 1 Series

  • Engine Type Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

BMW 1 Series
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 1 Series

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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Reviews BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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Reviews VW Golf Variant

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

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BMW 1 Series
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, C
Brand
BMW
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

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

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.