2003 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 2 kg more than 2001 Ford Mustang.
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, 2001 Ford Mustang (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318. 2001 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2001 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 59 L |
