1996 BMW 325 vs. 2003 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 325 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 325 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 325. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 325 | 2003 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
