1998 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 352 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 Ford Mustang (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1627 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
