2003 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2005 Peugeot 406 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2005 Peugeot 406. (108 HP @ 5650 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2005 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2003 BMW 318.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Peugeot 406, 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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Peugeot 406. (161 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Peugeot 406.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2005 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | 318 | 406 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1749 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
