2004 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Saab 05-Sep. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Saab 05-Sep would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Saab 05-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Saab 05-Sep (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Saab 05-Sep should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 10 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Saab 05-Sep, 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, 1998 Saab 05-Sep (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1998 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 318 | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
