1997 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Seat Altea
To start off, 2009 Seat Altea is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Seat Altea (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 251 kg more than 2009 Seat Altea.
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, 2009 Seat Altea, 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, 2009 Seat Altea (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 2009 Seat Altea | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 318 | Altea |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
