1998 Nissan Maxima vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Maxima would be higher. Both 1998 Nissan Maxima and 2012 BMW 318 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 318 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 318 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1998 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Maxima, 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 BMW 318 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Maxima. (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Nissan Maxima | 2012 BMW 318 | |
Make | Nissan | BMW |
Model | Maxima | 318 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 143 HP |
Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 177 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1495 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4624 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1811 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1429 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |