2008 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2009 Tesla Roadster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 318 would be higher. In terms of performance, 2009 Tesla Roadster (288 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Tesla Roadster should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 345 kg more than 2009 Tesla Roadster.
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, 2009 Tesla Roadster (370 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (280 Nm). This means 2009 Tesla Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2009 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Tesla |
| Model | 318 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Electric |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3947 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2352 mm |
