2008 BMW 320 vs. 2003 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2003 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 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2003 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 219 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
