2009 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 267 kg more than 2009 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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, both vehicles can yield 190 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 318 | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 12.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1702 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
