2004 BMW 730 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 730 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 730 (225 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 730 weights approximately 488 kg more than 2002 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, 2004 BMW 730 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318. 2004 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 730 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 730 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
