1998 BMW 318 vs. 2009 BMW 125
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2009 BMW 125.
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 125 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2009 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2009 BMW 125 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
