2008 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1996 Ford Mustang.
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, 1996 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318. 2008 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
