1998 BMW 318 vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 14 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 298 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 260 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 318 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 318 | M3 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 414 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 75.2 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 92 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1655 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4615 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1803 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1424 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2761 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 17.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |