2009 BMW 125 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1998 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, 2009 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 125 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 52 L |
