1996 BMW 318 vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 318 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2005 BMW 318.
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, 2005 BMW 318 (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 318. 2005 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 318 | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
