1998 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Toyota Sienna
To start off, 2001 Toyota Sienna 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 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Sienna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota Sienna (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Sienna should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Sienna weights approximately 395 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.
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, 2001 Toyota Sienna, 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, 2001 Toyota Sienna (280 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Toyota Sienna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2001 Toyota Sienna 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. 2001 Toyota Sienna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2001 Toyota Sienna | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 318 | Sienna |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
