2003 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Porsche 924
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 924. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 924 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 924 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 924 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 924 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1978 Porsche 924.
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, 1978 Porsche 924 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 924 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1978 Porsche 924 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | 924 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
