How much difference is there in driving performance & comfort between Ford Ka and BMW 316i 3 series?

I am upgrading from a Ford Ka (1.3l) to a BMW 3 series (1.6l)



I was wondering how much difference i would find for any of the following..



1. Comfort

2. Driving handling

3. Power

4. Top speeds

5. Acceleration



Thanks!How much difference is there in driving performance %26amp; comfort between Ford Ka and BMW 316i 3 series?As others have already said, the 316 is in a different league.



The Ford Ka is technically slower although being smaller and less refined may well feel faster. It will also be a bit more fun to drive. The Ka handles like a roller skate and even with the lack of power compared to the BMW would probably be faster on a twisty road.

The 316 is a heavy car with a small engine and I personally wouldn't buy one.

I'd run a Ka until I have saved up enough cash to buy a 325/328/330.

The 316 will however feel like a limo compared to a Ka. Smooth, comfortable and quiet.



Oh and I agree with JG until he said the Ka would cost more to run. I can't over emphasise how wrong this is. Fords are a lot more reliable than they used to be and BMW's aren't as reliable as people would have you believe. To be honest neither are bad in terms of reliability but for routine servicing any BMW, even a 316, is going to be far more expensive than a Ka. Tyres will be more expensive, insurance will be more expensive and it will get worse MPG.



I can't get over how silly anyone who thinks a BMW of any sort will be cheaper to run than a Ka is!

I got rid of a BMW and bought a Ford Focus two years ago and for my wife's birthday this year I had saved enough on running costs to buy her diamonds. I think that says it all.How much difference is there in driving performance %26amp; comfort between Ford Ka and BMW 316i 3 series?
What we really need to know is what year the 3 series is. Reason being the older model 92 - 98 approx have a 1.6 engine, my friend had one and they are seriously under powered (slow). Reliability, comfort etc is superb but the engine struggles with the weight of the car and in turn makes fuel consumption excessive. In town driving the 316 was Only returning 27mpg (my 2.4 Volvo estate manages that). The main differences you'll find over your Ka are comfort will be increased greatly as will reliability, safety, room and street cred. The downsides however will be the majorly increased cost of ownership through fuel, insurance, parts and servicing.



If on the other hand it is the newer (approx) 99 onwards (the face lifted model) it although badged as a 316 is infact a 1.8 litre engine and deals much better with the cars weight hence returning better mpg and better performance. The cost of ownership will still increase greatly.How much difference is there in driving performance %26amp; comfort between Ford Ka and BMW 316i 3 series?Already answered - the BMW is just a different thing altogether.

Bear in mind, once again, gthat the 316i is the absolute basic model with the smallest engine, but it will be like a Rolls Royce in terms of comfort %26amp; a Porsche in terms of performance %26amp; handling compared to the Ka.

The 316i is much heavier, but is a second quicker to 60 %26amp; has a top speed of around 20mph more than the Ka (and you'd be pretty brave or stupid to find out the top speed of a Ka).

The BMW will also be far more reliable %26amp; cost less to maintain than the Ford.How much difference is there in driving performance %26amp; comfort between Ford Ka and BMW 316i 3 series?
1 no room in the footwell of a ka, very cramped too

2 on older ka's theres no power steering

3 bmw have far better fuel injection and power to weight ratio

4 ka 100mph(downhill) bmw- 125 and up depending on how well its tuned

5 imagine yourself(bmw) racing against a dog kennel (ka)

overall the bimmer is far better but also costs a lot more to run and repair also finding parking is far easier in a kaHow much difference is there in driving performance %26amp; comfort between Ford Ka and BMW 316i 3 series?is this some sort of trick question,I would swop a brand new ka for any type of 3 series ,,, nu-ff saidHow much difference is there in driving performance %26amp; comfort between Ford Ka and BMW 316i 3 series?
You're comparing hamburger and fillet steak! The BMW is in a different league!