1998 BMW 316 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. 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, 2004 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 10.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
