1997 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Fiat Marea
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat Marea. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Marea would be higher. At 1,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Fiat Marea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Fiat Marea (145 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Marea should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1996 Fiat Marea.
Because 1997 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Marea, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Fiat Marea (186 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 Fiat Marea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 1996 Fiat Marea | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 318 | Marea |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
