2002 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Maxima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,507 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Maxima (276 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 108 kg more than 2002 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (281 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 2005 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.5 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
