BMW vs. Volkswagen

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from BMW and Volkswagen contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both BMW and Volkswagen cars.

When comparing the BMW brand to the Volkswagen brand, BMW has the advantage in the areas of horsepower, towing capacity, reliability and variety of models offered. Volkswagen has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, depreciation, fuel efficiency, overall quality, safety and retained value.

BMW versus Volkswagen: Pricing and Value: Analyzing BMW versus Volkswagen pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Volkswagen in 5 out of 5 vehicle comparisons. Volkswagen also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 4 out of 5 comparisons. Volkswagen models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 5 out of 5 comparisons. The lower overall prices for Volkswagen, plus their lower depreciation rate, gives Volkswagen the overall advantage over BMW.

BMW versus Volkswagen: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: BMW vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 5 out of 5 model comparisons. Volkswagen offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 3 out of 4 comparisons. BMW offers a greater towing capacity in 3 out of 3 comparisons.

BMW versus Volkswagen: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of BMW versus Volkswagen overall quality ratings shows Volkswagen with higher quality ratings in 3 out of 5 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, BMW has the advantage in 4 out of 5 comparisons. Volkswagen has better safety ratings in 1 out of 3 comparisons while BMW has better safety ratings in 1 out of 3 comparisons. BMW and Volkswagen tie for safety in 1 comparisons. Volkswagen shows higher ratings for retained value in 5 out of 5 comparisons.

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Most Reliable Car Rankings:

Best Cars for the Money Rankings:

Available Body Styles: BMW offers 14 SUVs, 15 sedans, 6 coupes, and 5 convertibles. In comparison, Volkswagen offers 5 SUVs, 3 sedans, and 2 hatchbacks.

Drivetrain Options: BMW offers 23 gasoline vehicles, 5 plug-in hybrids, and 4 electric vehicles. Volkswagen offers 9 gasoline vehicles and 1 electric vehicle.

BMW offers 26 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 15 rear-wheel-drive models. Volkswagen offers 7 all-wheel-drive models, 8 front-wheel-drive models, and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.