1997 Peugeot 406 vs. 2006 BMW 318
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Peugeot 406. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Peugeot 406 would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 406 (191 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1997 Peugeot 406.
Because 2006 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 2006 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 406, 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, 1997 Peugeot 406 (267 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318. 2006 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1997 Peugeot 406 has manual transmission. 1997 Peugeot 406 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Peugeot 406 | 2006 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Peugeot | BMW |
| Model | 406 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
