HEAD-To-HEAD, Can BMW's 135i Get Beat By A Volkswagen Golf R?

Well, the answer to our headline is a little bit difficult to technically answer.

That's because the response is a little bit of "yes" and "no." A little bit of "A" and "B," if you will. Let's give it a brief rundown. Essentially, it boils down to this:

1) The BMW 135i is a better performer, especially when you compare test times

2) The VW Golf R, although it isn't beating the 135i during testing, is a better buy since it is 6,000 Euros cheaper in this comparison

Now that Volkswagen has confirmed that the Golf R will be making its way to the States, will it sway you from taking the plunge on a BMW 135i?

Although we have no idea on how it will price out, we guess it will follow along the lines of the MKV R32 with a price on the lower side of $30,000.

[Source: Auto Motor Und Sport]

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enthusiastx11 - 1/9/2011 2:56:10 PM

+3 Boost

both great fun to drive....comes down to budget.

Agent00R - 1/9/2011 3:52:56 PM

-1 Boost

@enthusiast

Valid point.

I am looking forward to the Golf R, although I don't know if it will still make me swoon since it will not have the six-cylinder motor like the MKIV and MKV.

t_bone - 1/9/2011 9:03:30 PM

+1 Boost

I think budget is actually the least of the differences. I'd take the Golf R as a much more practical and also rare car. With the 1 I'd always be actually wishing I'd gotten the 3.

SoMuchChedda - 1/9/2011 9:51:46 PM

+3 Boost

Ill take the 135, it looks better and is faster.

freeagent - 1/9/2011 3:29:22 PM

-2 Boost

Other than price, this is a question of FWD-based AWD vs. FWD. By all accounts both will be excellent.

Whelan - 1/10/2011 7:56:16 AM

+1 Boost

I'm not a fan of the 1-series. The look is odd and it appears they tried to squash a two seater into an odd form. It reminds me almost like a Miata with a removable hardtop, just odd proportions.

The Golf does offer an AWD system which is vastly appreciated, especially in New England. FWD based or not it is still advantagous. My Matris is a FWD-AWD based system and it does a fine job of moving me through the slop and snow.

I would find the R a lot more practical and useful and fun for my liking, cargo hauling ability, people hauling ability, it just fits the bill more for me. Now for a single guy/girl who lives in a warmer climate and just wants RWD entertainment from BMW at a lower price point (the new executive on a budget), the 1 may make more sense. For me, I'd rather buy a used 3 than a new 1.

Agent00R - 1/10/2011 8:26:08 AM

+1 Boost

@Whelan

Well said.

bmwm6 - 1/10/2011 9:57:37 AM

+4 Boost

The one series has classic front engine rwd proportions it looks great on the street. The golf looks like a lowered tiquan. Having driving the 135 the sound of the exhaust and the power delivery sells itself..so much fun.

internationalmanofmystery - 1/10/2011 3:44:42 PM

+1 Boost

I like the German car!