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BMW 1 Series vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or VW Polo?

BMW 1 Series vs VW Polo: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • a bit more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely more trunk space
details

VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • markedly lighter
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Polo is significantly cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the BMW 1 Series costs 29,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,099 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is a bit more efficient than the VW Polo with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.

Polo

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 markedly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 93 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 Polo takes 6.5 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 1 Series delivers moderately more torque with 400 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm more.

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 terms of curb weight, VW Polo is markedly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,465 kg. The difference is around 322 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 1 Series offers barely more boot space – 380 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 29 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries slightly more – 510 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 53 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series holds a solid 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.

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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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 Polo

The Polo is a well-built, comfortable hatchback that blends a refined cabin and composed manners into a compact package. It's easy to live with day to day, offering sensible space, tidy controls and reassuring quality that make it a practical choice for city or longer trips.

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Reviews VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate

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

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BMW 1 Series
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
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
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
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.