2001 BMW 318 vs. 1996 BMW 740
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 740 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 740 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 740 weights approximately 550 kg more than 2001 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, 1996 BMW 740 (420 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 1996 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1996 BMW 740 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 740 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 85 L |
