2001 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Seat Altea
To start off, 2004 Seat Altea is newer by 3 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2004 Seat Altea. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2004 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Seat Altea weights approximately 20 kg more than 2001 BMW 318.
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, 2004 Seat Altea, 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, 2004 Seat Altea (326 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2004 Seat Altea | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 318 | Altea |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
