1998 BMW 323 vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 152 kg more than 2008 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 323 (246 Nm) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (201 Nm). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 231 km/hour | 219 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
