1998 BMW 318 vs. 2000 BMW Z3
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 2 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 96 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2000 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.9 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
