2008 BMW 320 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 BMW 320 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
