1998 Buick Signia 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 Buick Signia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Signia would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Signia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Signia (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Signia weights approximately 365 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.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia, 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, 1998 Buick Signia (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Signia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Signia | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Buick | BMW |
| Model | Signia | 318 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2730 mm |
