2003 BMW 318 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 10 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 320 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1375 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 61 L |
