1998 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 154 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
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 Kia Forte, 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, 2012 Kia Forte (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 318 | Forte |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1241 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
