1998 BMW 318 vs. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 4 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 550 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, 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2002 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
