1998 BMW 318 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 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 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 60 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 318 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 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 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
