1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Nova | 318 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2730 mm |
