1998 BMW 729 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 729. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 729 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 729 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 729 (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 729 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 729 weights approximately 455 kg more than 2009 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 729 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 729 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 729 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 729 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 729 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 729 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2730 mm |
