2008 BMW Z4 vs. 2006 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4.
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, 2006 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 2006 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
