2008 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Maxima is newer by 3 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. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Maxima (291 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 222 kg more than 2008 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2011 Nissan Maxima (354 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2011 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
