1998 BMW 318 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 11 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 110 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 53 L |
