2004 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 7 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Soul (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 301 kg more than 2011 Kia Soul.
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, 2011 Kia Soul, 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, 2004 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Soul. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Soul. 2011 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 318 | Soul |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
