1997 BMW 318 vs. 1948 GAZ M-20
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 GAZ M-20. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 GAZ M-20 would be higher. At 2,120 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 GAZ M-20 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1948 GAZ M-20. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1948 GAZ M-20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 GAZ M-20 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 BMW 318 (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 GAZ M-20. (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 GAZ M-20.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 1948 GAZ M-20 | |
| Make | BMW | GAZ |
| Model | 318 | M-20 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1948 |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2120 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
