Acura RL vs BMW 318i
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
1998 BMW 318i
Overview
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 318i318i |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | 318i |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2012 | 1998 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 318i318i |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $48,200 | $0 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 318i318i |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 20 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 24 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 16.4 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 318i318i |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp (best) | 138 hp |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft (best) | 133 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3.7 L (best) | 1.9 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 318i318i |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | — |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.1 cu ft (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 4,083 lbs | 2,954 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in (best) | 106.3 in |
| Length | 195.7 in (best) | 174.5 in |
| Width | 72.7 in (best) | 66.9 in |
| Height | 57.2 in (best) | 54.8 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura RLBase | BMW 318i318i |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 6 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Acura RL | BMW 318i |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $48,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 318i $0 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Technology Package $52,350 MSRP | — |
| 3 | Technology Package - in HI $52,350 MSRP | — |
| 4 | Advance Package $56,150 MSRP | — |
Acura RL vs BMW 318i FAQ
- Which is better: 2012 Acura RL or 1998 BMW 318i?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2012 Acura RL vs 1998 BMW 318i on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2012 Acura RL or 1998 BMW 318i?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 1998 BMW 318i starts lower at $0.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2012 Acura RL or 1998 BMW 318i?
- The 1998 BMW 318i leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (0).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2012 Acura RL or 1998 BMW 318i?
- The 1998 BMW 318i leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (24).
- Which has better horsepower: 2012 Acura RL or 1998 BMW 318i?
- The 2012 Acura RL leads on horsepower in this comparison (300).
- Which has better seats: 2012 Acura RL or 1998 BMW 318i?
- The 2012 Acura RL leads on seats in this comparison (5).