2001 BMW 318 vs. 2003 BMW Z8
To start off, 2003 BMW Z8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW Z8 weights approximately 115 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, 2003 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2003 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | Z8 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 73 L |
