1998 BMW 318 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 120 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 Z4 (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.3 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
