1998 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2011 Ford Mondeo is newer by 13 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mondeo (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 322 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.
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, 2011 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2011 Ford Mondeo (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2011 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 70 L |
