1998 BMW 318 vs. 1989 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (76 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1998 BMW 318 (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (132 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1989 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 132 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
