2008 BMW 320 vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2011 Kia Soul. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 284 kg more than 2011 Kia Soul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 320 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 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul, 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, 2008 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Soul. 2011 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | BMW | Kia |
| Model | 320 | Soul |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
