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BMW 320d vs VW Polo 1.9 - Fuel efficiency BMW 320d or VW Polo 1.9 - apm1500

So at the end of the week I will be driving London to Tuscany!

I have a choice of of 2003 BMW 320d estate or a 2004 VW Polo 1.9 diesel. Any idea on which one will be the most fuel efficient? I will be in no rush, so 65mph will be fine. All motorway but will be quite heavily loaded with holiday gear.

Any advice???

BMW 320d vs VW Polo 1.9 - Fuel efficiency BMW 320d or VW Polo 1.9 - Collos25

The VW by mile but the Bmw will be a much more refined drive,if buying a Bmw diesel look at the swirlflap problem before you buy the cost of a new engine will be more than the car is worth.Normal service parts for Beemers can be had quite economically.

BMW 320d vs VW Polo 1.9 - Fuel efficiency BMW 320d or VW Polo 1.9 - Avant

Andy B thinks you have a choice of cars to buy - I would assume that these are the two cars in your household.

If you're in no rush I wouldn't have thought there was much in it for fuel economy. The BMW may be more comfortable and have more room for holiday gear. It may depend on which of them is in better condition and more likely to get you there and back without trouble.

BMW 320d vs VW Polo 1.9 - Fuel efficiency BMW 320d or VW Polo 1.9 - cheddar

Not much in it fuel economy wise though the BMW will be much more refined and more pleasant in that kind of journey.

BMW 320d vs VW Polo 1.9 - Fuel efficiency BMW 320d or VW Polo 1.9 - apm1500

Thanks for the replies. Yes both cars are in the household already.

I don't think there is a great deal in it either. It really to settle an argument with my brother.

He reckons the BMW will be almost as good MPG. Even if heavier etc, it's got the 6 gears and will be much more comfortable. I presumed the Polo, lighter etc and officially has better MPG figures but might struggle with the weight and be less capable at higher speeds.

Thanks for the replies.

BMW 320d vs VW Polo 1.9 - Fuel efficiency BMW 320d or VW Polo 1.9 - Avant

I'd say the 6-speed gearbox settles it in favour of the 320d. You'll be doing plenty of motorway miles and the engine will be relaxed and quite economical. Your foot would be nearer to the floor most of the time in a heavily-laden Polo, even at 65 mph.

BMW 320d vs VW Polo 1.9 - Fuel efficiency BMW 320d or VW Polo 1.9 - Ian D

I have a 2002 320d 5 speed and get 42mpg in mainly urban driving and 49-50 on longer runs (the trip computer optimistically says 4 mpg more).

Edited by Ian D on 25/03/2011 at 19:10