1998 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Ford Probe
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Probe would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Probe (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Probe 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 1996 Ford Probe.
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, 1996 Ford Probe, 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1996 Ford Probe | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Probe |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 58 L |
