1987 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Microbus is newer by 11 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 2,553 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Microbus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Microbus (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Microbus should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 694 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.
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, 1998 Volkswagen Microbus (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Microbus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 1998 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2470 mm |
