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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 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 145 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 (406 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 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 | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
