2001 BMW 318 vs. 1959 BMW 700
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 840 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. 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, 2001 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1959 BMW 700 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 700 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 695 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 50 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 126 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
