2008 BMW 318 vs. 2001 Noble M12
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Noble M12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Noble M12 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Noble M12 (306 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 600 kg more than 2001 Noble M12.
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, 2001 Noble M12 (435 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2001 Noble M12 | |
| Make | BMW | Noble |
| Model | 318 | M12 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
