← Back to compare hub

BMW 318is vs Ford Mustang

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

Vehicles

BMW logo

1997 BMW 318is

Full research
Ford logo

2026 Ford Mustang

Full researchShop inventory

Overview

SpecBMW 318is318isFord MustangEcoBoost
Selected trim318isEcoBoost
Body styleCoupeCoupe
Drivetrainrear wheel driverear wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedpremium unleaded (recommended)
Transmission5-speed manual10-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year19972026

Pricing & market

SpecBMW 318is318isFord 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 318is318isFord MustangEcoBoost
Combined MPG23 MPG26 MPG (best)
City MPG20 MPG22 MPG (best)
Highway MPG29 MPG33 MPG (best)
Fuel tank16.4 gal (best)16 gal

Performance

SpecBMW 318is318isFord MustangEcoBoost
Horsepower138 hp315 hp (best)
Torque133 lb-ft350 lb-ft (best)
Engine size1.9 L2.3 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecBMW 318is318isFord MustangEcoBoost
Seating—4 seats (best)
Doors22
Cargo volume9.2 cu ft13.5 cu ft (best)
Curb weight2,976 lbs (best)3,588 lbs
Wheelbase106.3 in107 in (best)
Length174.5 in189.4 in (best)
Width67.3 in75.4 in (best)
Height53.8 in55 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecBMW 318is318isFord 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)1 (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 318isFord Mustang
1

318is

$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 318is vs Ford Mustang FAQ

Which is better: 1997 BMW 318is or 2026 Ford Mustang?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 1997 BMW 318is 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: 1997 BMW 318is or 2026 Ford Mustang?
Based on starting MSRP, the 1997 BMW 318is starts lower at $0. Live Ford Mustang listings start at $7,844.
Which has better startingMsrp: 1997 BMW 318is or 2026 Ford Mustang?
The 1997 BMW 318is leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (0).
Which has better combinedMpg: 1997 BMW 318is or 2026 Ford Mustang?
The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (26).
Which has better horsepower: 1997 BMW 318is or 2026 Ford Mustang?
The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on horsepower in this comparison (500).
Which has better seats: 1997 BMW 318is or 2026 Ford Mustang?
The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on seats in this comparison (4).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 1997 BMW 318is vs 2026 Ford Mustang?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Mustang (5/5 NHTSA overall).
BMW 318is vs Ford Mustang: Price, MPG, Safety & Specs Compared | Open Dealer