1998 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Ford Ka
To start off, 2005 Ford Ka is newer by 7 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, 1998 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 224 kg more than 2005 Ford Ka. 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, 2005 Ford Ka, 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 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2005 Ford Ka | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 173 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
