2003 BMW 320 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 320 (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1998 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, 2003 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1893 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
