2004 BMW Z4 vs. 1999 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW Z4 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW Z4 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 102 kg more than 2004 BMW Z4.
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 Z4 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318. 1999 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW Z4 | 1999 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
