2004 BMW 318 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Transporter
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Transporter is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,460 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Transporter is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Transporter weights approximately 954 kg more than 2004 BMW 318.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Transporter, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Transporter (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Transporter will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2008 Volkswagen Transporter | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 318 | Transporter |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 2344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 2000 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
