1998 BMW 318 vs. 1999 Acura EL
To start off, 1999 Acura EL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Acura EL (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Acura EL should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 281 kg more than 1999 Acura EL.
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, 1999 Acura EL, 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 @ 3900 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Acura EL. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Acura EL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1999 Acura EL | |
| Make | BMW | Acura |
| Model | 318 | EL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1079 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1704 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2619 mm |
