1998 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 Porsche 911 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 3,589 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 911 (415 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Porsche 911 weights approximately 425 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 2004 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 318. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Porsche 911 (563 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2004 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 64 L |
