1998 BMW 318 vs. 2010 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2010 Tesla Roadster is newer by 12 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. In terms of performance, 2010 Tesla Roadster (288 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Tesla Roadster should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2010 Tesla Roadster.
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, 2010 Tesla Roadster (370 Nm) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm). This means 2010 Tesla Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2010 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Tesla |
| Model | 318 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Electric |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3947 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2352 mm |
