1998 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Ford E-250
To start off, 2006 Ford E-250 is newer by 8 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford E-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford E-250 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-250 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 86 kg more than 2006 Ford E-250.
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, 2006 Ford E-250, 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, 2006 Ford E-250 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2006 Ford E-250 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | E-250 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 2120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 132 L |
