The content of the article:
- BMW 1 Series and VW Golf
- BMW 5 Series and VW Passat
- BMW X5 and VW Touareg
- Summing up
German cars are deservedly considered one of the most technologically advanced, reliable and unpretentious in everyday use, which is reflected in the sales results. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of people annually argue about which German automaker deserves the right to be called the best.
Let's try to find out which brand is better - VW or BMW. To do this, we will compare several models performing in the same class and determine their strengths and weaknesses.
BMW 1 Series and VW Golf
In the photo: BMW 1-series vs VW Golf
Currently, the 7th generation of VW Golf is being realized in the world, which underwent a planned restyling in 2016.
The car has a laconic appearance with well-defined proportions of the body. Its dimensions are 4255 x 1799 x 1452 mm, with a wheelbase of 2637 mm.
Against the background of VW, the BMW 1 Series hatchback looks more stylish and dynamic, which is the merit of the long hood, shifted towards the stern of the “cabin”, as well as the aggressive “muzzle” represented by the gloomy head optics and the branded “nostrils” of the false radiator grille. Its dimensions are: 4329 x 1765 x 1440 mm with a wheelbase of 2690 mm.
The interior of the cars is made in the same style, where the main emphasis is on maximum comfort for the driver. The quality of the materials is comparable, although a slight advantage is still on the Bavarian's side.
The front passengers of VW and BMW are offered comfortable seats with a lot of adjustments, which allows a person of any size to sit, but the second row of seats is noticeably more spacious in Volkswagen, which is surprising, given the presence of a longer wheelbase in BMW.
The luggage compartment volume of the "one" is 360 liters as standard, while in the Golf it is 380 liters.
The range of power plants available for the BMW 1 Series in Russia significantly exceeds that for the VW Golf, while the former have a noticeable advantage in terms of dynamic characteristics.
In terms of handling, the BMW outperforms its opponent a bit, but only if the driver is in the mood for a more playful and aggressive ride. From a suspension point of view, our favorite was VW.
The minimum price for VW Golf in Russia starts at 1.429 million rubles, while the base BMW 118i will cost at least 1.6 million rubles.
BMW 5 Series and VW Passat
Comparing the appearance of the BMW 5-series and VW Passat, one involuntarily catches oneself thinking that the “Bavarian” looks much more prestigious than his opponent. However, given the status of the car, this is not surprising.
Nevertheless, VW is not losing much, for which VW designers should be given credit. - the car is perceived to be an order of magnitude more expensive than it actually is.
Dimensions BMW are: 4936 x 1868 x 1466 mm, with a wheelbase of 2975 mm. Volkswagen is slightly smaller: 4767 x 1832 x 1456 mm, with a wheelbase of 2791 mm.
In terms of interior design, both cars are in complete order: a laconic dashboard, a well-read instrument panel and a stylish multifunction steering wheel.
The quality of BMW's finishing materials is predictably much higher, but in this parameter VW loses quite a bit. In both cases, the front passengers are offered comfortable seats with a lot of adjustments, and the rear sofa can accommodate three adult riders.
True, the "five" is still more spacious in the gallery - the larger wheelbase affects. But from the point of view of the spaciousness of the luggage compartment, VW is the favorite - 586 liters versus 530 liters.
The line of power units of Volkswagen in the Russian Federation is represented exclusively by gasoline engines with a volume of 1.4 to 2 liters and a capacity of 125 to 280 hp. All engines, except for the youngest, have good dynamics and low fuel consumption.
Unlike Passat, BMW 5 Series in Russia is available not only with gasoline, but also with diesel engines, while each of them has excellent dynamics and high efficiency.
The price of the BMW sedan starts at 3.03 million rubles, while the VW Passat will cost at least 1.819 million rubles.
BMW X5 and VW Touareg
In the course of the latest update, VWs have radically updated their flagship VW Touareg crossover, as a result of which the car began to look and feel a class higher.
Moreover, from the point of view of appearance, VW does not lose in any way to the more prestigious BMW X5 of the latest generation. The outer dimensions of the Touareg are: 4878 x 1984 x 1702 mm with a wheelbase of 2895 mm. BMW is slightly larger: 4922 x 2004 x 1745 mm, wheelbase - 2975 mm.
The interior design of both crossovers demonstrates high-quality finishing materials, excellent ergonomics and impeccable assembly.
The architecture of the front dash of the Bavarian is made in the corporate style of the company, while the front dash of VW looks more progressive. This is facilitated by the presence of two LCD monitors: a 12-inch one that serves as a dashboard and a 15-inch one that is responsible for the vehicle's entertainment and information capabilities.
Both vehicles offer the maximum level of comfort not only to the front but also to the rear passengers. But from the point of view of the spaciousness of the luggage compartment, the clear favorite is the VW Touareg, which offers a standard trunk with a volume of 810 liters, while the "Bavarian" has to be content with 645 liters.
From the point of view of dynamics, BMW greatly outperforms its opponent, which is facilitated not only by the presence of more powerful engines, but also by a more advanced gearbox.
But from the point of view of off-road qualities, Volkswagen looks more attractive - the crossover has a high ground clearance, better geometric cross-country ability and a more advanced all-wheel drive transmission.
The minimum cost of the Volkswagen Touareg is 3.489 million rubles, and the new BMW X5 - 4.75 million rubles.
Summing up
As you can see, BMW cars have the following advantages:
- bright and dynamic appearance;
- high-quality and ergonomic interior;
- excellent handling;
- high-performance and economical engines;
- wide range of equipment.
The disadvantages include:
- purchase price;
- service cost;
- stiff enough suspension.
Volkswagen cars, in turn, have the following advantages:
- modern and versatile appearance;
- roomy and practical salon;
- comfortable suspension;
- reasonable cost;
- good dynamics and efficiency.
But the high price can also be attributed to the number of shortcomings, but only if the comparison is made with classmates plus or minus one price category.
So which brand is the best car? The answer is ambiguous, since each of the automakers operates in completely different weight categories. Therefore, if you have the money and are looking for a status car, then BMW is the best choice, while Volkswagen is a more suitable option for people looking for the best value for money.
