2001 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 285 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.
Because 2001 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 2001 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus, 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2003 Ford Taurus 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. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2003 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 68 L |
