2008 Ford Ka vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 318 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 318 weights approximately 359 kg more than 2008 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 318 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 2012 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Ka, 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, 2012 BMW 318 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Ka | 2012 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Ka | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 173 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.1 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 57 L |
