← Back to compare hub

BMW 318i vs Ford Mustang

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

BMW logo

1998 BMW 318i

Full research
Ford logo

2026 Ford Mustang

Full researchShop inventory

Overview

SpecBMW 318i318iFord MustangEcoBoost
Selected trim318iEcoBoost
Body styleSedanCoupe
Drivetrainrear wheel driverear wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedpremium unleaded (recommended)
Transmission5-speed manual10-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year19982026

Pricing & market

SpecBMW 318i318iFord MustangEcoBoost
MSRP$0 (best)$32,320
Lowest listing price—$7,844 (best)
Median listing price—$33,968 (best)
Highest listing price—$119,079 (best)
For sale now0192 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecBMW 318i318iFord MustangEcoBoost
Combined MPG24 MPG26 MPG (best)
City MPG20 MPG22 MPG (best)
Highway MPG29 MPG33 MPG (best)
Fuel tank16.4 gal (best)16 gal

Performance

SpecBMW 318i318iFord MustangEcoBoost
Horsepower138 hp315 hp (best)
Torque133 lb-ft350 lb-ft (best)
Engine size1.9 L2.3 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecBMW 318i318iFord MustangEcoBoost
Seating—4 seats (best)
Doors4 (best)2
Cargo volume—13.5 cu ft (best)
Curb weight2,954 lbs (best)3,588 lbs
Wheelbase106.3 in107 in (best)
Length174.5 in189.4 in (best)
Width66.9 in75.4 in (best)
Height54.8 in55 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecBMW 318i318iFord MustangEcoBoost
NHTSA overall—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (driver)—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (passenger)—4 / 5 ★ (best)
Side pole—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Rollover—5 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reported (best)3

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.

TrimBMW 318iFord Mustang
1

318i

$0 MSRP(Currently comparing)

EcoBoost

$32,320 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2—

EcoBoost

$40,120 MSRP

3—

EcoBoost Premium

$36,345 MSRP

4—

EcoBoost Premium

$41,845 MSRP

5—

GT

$46,560 MSRP

6—

GT Premium

$51,080 MSRP

7—

GT Premium

$56,580 MSRP

8—

Dark Horse

$63,080 MSRP

Live inventory

BMW 318i vs Ford Mustang FAQ

Which is better: 1998 BMW 318i or 2026 Ford Mustang?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 1998 BMW 318i vs 2026 Ford Mustang on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 1998 BMW 318i or 2026 Ford Mustang?
Based on starting MSRP, the 1998 BMW 318i starts lower at $0. Live Ford Mustang listings start at $7,844.
Which has better startingMsrp: 1998 BMW 318i or 2026 Ford Mustang?
The 1998 BMW 318i leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (0).
Which has better combinedMpg: 1998 BMW 318i or 2026 Ford Mustang?
The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (26).
Which has better horsepower: 1998 BMW 318i or 2026 Ford Mustang?
The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on horsepower in this comparison (500).
Which has better seats: 1998 BMW 318i or 2026 Ford Mustang?
The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on seats in this comparison (4).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 1998 BMW 318i vs 2026 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Mustang (5/5 NHTSA overall).
BMW 318i vs Ford Mustang: Price, MPG, Safety & Specs Compared | Open Dealer