2001 Acura TL vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura TL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura TL (226 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura TL weights approximately 275 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura TL, 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, 2001 Acura TL (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2001 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura TL | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | TL | 318 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 67 L |
