1998 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Mazda 5
To start off, 2006 Mazda 5 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 2,262 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 5 (157 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318.
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 Mazda 5, 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 Mazda 5 (201 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2006 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2262 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
