1998 BMW 318 vs. 1989 Plymouth Laser
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Plymouth Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Plymouth Laser would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Plymouth Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Plymouth Laser (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Plymouth Laser should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1989 Plymouth Laser.
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 Plymouth Laser, 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 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Plymouth Laser. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Plymouth Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1989 Plymouth Laser | |
| Make | BMW | Plymouth |
| Model | 318 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2480 mm |
