2005 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Saturn L
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Saturn L. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Saturn L would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Saturn L (135 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2004 Saturn L.
Because 2005 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 2005 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Saturn L, 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 Saturn L (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318. 2004 Saturn L has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Saturn L will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 2004 Saturn L | |
| Make | BMW | Saturn |
| Model | 318 | L |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
