1987 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora

To start off, 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora (251 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora weights approximately 754 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1987 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1987 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318. 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1987 BMW 318 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora
Make BMW Oldsmobile
Model 318 Aurora
Year Released 1987 1997
Body Type Sedan Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1796 cc 3995 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 114 HP 251 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 161 Nm 353 Nm
Torque RPM 4250 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 84 mm 87 mm
Engine Stroke Size 81 mm 84 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 8.8:1 10.3:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 966 kg 1720 kg
Vehicle Length 4330 mm 5230 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1900 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2860 mm