2008 BMW X3 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2004 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 X3 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2008 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | X3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 63 L |
