2003 BMW 318 vs. 2006 BMW 330
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 is newer by 3 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 330 (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 330 weights approximately 206 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 BMW 330 (290 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2006 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 63 L |
