1998 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 5 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (148 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 280 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2003 Mazda Roadster 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. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 318 | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 318 | Roadster |
Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1838 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1080 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |