1998 BMW 318 vs. 1990 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1990 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Taurus weights approximately 94 kg more than 1998 BMW 318.
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, 1990 Ford Taurus, 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1990 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
