1996 BMW 318 vs. 2011 BMW 116
To start off, 2011 BMW 116 is newer by 15 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), 2011 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 116 (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 318 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2011 BMW 116.
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, 2011 BMW 116 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 318 | 2011 BMW 116 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 116 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| 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 | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
