1998 BMW 318 vs. 2001 BMW 320
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 3 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 75 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2001 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 4.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
