1998 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2004 Ford Transit Connect is newer by 6 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Transit Connect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Transit Connect (114 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Transit Connect should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 6 kg more than 2004 Ford Transit Connect.
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, 2004 Ford Transit Connect, 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, 1998 BMW 318 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Transit Connect. (160 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Transit Connect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2004 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
