1998 BMW 318 vs. 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport (118 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 105 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 318 | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
