2003 Acura EL vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 Acura EL 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura EL (124 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura EL should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2003 Acura EL.
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 Acura EL, 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, 2001 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura EL. (155 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura EL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura EL | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | EL | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
