2003 BMW 318 vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 5 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 130 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 63 L |
