1998 BMW 320 vs. 1984 BMW 318
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1984 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, 1998 BMW 320 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1984 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
