1998 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2012 Ford Fiesta 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Fiesta (120 HP @ 6350 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 141 kg more than 2012 Ford Fiesta.
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, 2012 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Fiesta. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2012 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1169 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4409 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1697 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 45 L |
