BMW 1 Series vs. Volkswagen Golf
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW 1 Series and the Volkswagen Golf.
In comparing the BMW 1 Series's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the BMW 1 Series has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Volkswagen Golf has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the BMW 1 Series's and the Volkswagen Golf's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf is a better car than the BMW 1 Series.
Pricing: A used 2013 BMW 1 Series ranges from $8,189 to $22,991 while a used 2013 Volkswagen Golf is priced between $5,878 to $14,999.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 1 Series’s base engine makes 230 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf base engine makes 170 horsepower. The 1 Series is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 392 miles. The Golf is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 479 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Golf the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW 1 Series. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Golf has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 1 Series has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Golf has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$18,095
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$18,260
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$15,400 - $34,195
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$14,700
Price Range:
$8,189 - $22,991
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
52
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
85,589
# Good or Great Deals:
17
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$10,601
Price Range:
$5,878 - $14,999
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$10,187
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$7,313 - $17,495
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
42
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
100,512
# Good or Great Deals:
17
BMW 1 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Volkswagen Golf Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 1 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.9
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.9 - 10.4
BMW 1 Series Rankings
Not yet available
Volkswagen Golf Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
9 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
29 out of / 43Ranking
30 out of / 43Ranking
32 out of / 43Ranking
33 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline
BMW 1 Series Trim Levels
Not yet available
Volkswagen Golf Trim Levels
2.5L, 2.5L PZEV, TDI
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
200 foot-lbs @ 2750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.072 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
177 foot-lbs @ 4250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 28 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
266 / 392 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
5
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 33 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
334 / 479 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.4 inches
Cargo Space:
10 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
89.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.8 inches
Cargo Space:
15.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
108.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3208 lbs
Width:
76.1 inches
Height:
56 inches
Length:
172.2 inches
Wheelbase:
104.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2967 lbs
Width:
70.3 inches
Height:
58.2 inches
Length:
165.4 inches
Wheelbase:
101.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/50R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
195/65R15
Exterior Colors
Beige
Cashmere Silver Metallic
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Blue Water Metallic / Deep Sea Blue Metallic / Le Mans Blue Metallic
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic / Space Gray Metallic
Red
Vermilion Red Metallic
Silver
Titanium Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Blue
Blue Graphite Metallic
Gray
United Gray Metallic
Red
Tornado Red
Silver
Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Candy White
Interior Colors
Beige
Savanna Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Terracotta
Gray
Oyster / Taupe
Red
Coral Red
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Titan Black
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
