2005 Acura RL vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 Acura RL is newer by 1 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 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Acura RL (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Acura RL weights approximately 180 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, 2005 Acura RL, 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, 2005 Acura RL (353 Nm) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm). This means 2005 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2005 Acura RL 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. 2005 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura RL | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RL | 318 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 63 L |
