Hi, the key difference between 116 and 118 is as follows: 1. 118 is tuned up to about 180HP while the 116 is about 130HP and 118 has eco pro, comfort, sports and sports plus while 116 is just eco pro, comfort and sports. 2. 116 seat is half leather and half fabric while 118 is full leather with red stitching threads 3. 118 rims is better looking than the 116 rims 4. minor aesthetic difference in the fog light covers and associated air duct. Plus, 116 is white grilles and 118 is black grilles. Other than this, there is no other major differences.
Price difference is about 20k. But 118 OMV is obviously higher and arguably, 118 resale value is higher.
1. Both 116 and 118 uses the same engine. So, you buy 116, slap on a Kellenar Sports Module (piggy), you get close to 118 specs. It had been dyno before that a 116 with piggy clocked 170+HP. Price of the KS module is about 2+K
2. You can do up to full leather seats yourself, but very troublesome, from our 116/118 circle so far, none do the leather seat outside. heard the cost is about 2k
3. if you are changing rims type, then this doesn't bother you. 116 rims trade in value is about 800 to 1k while 118 rims trade in value is about 1-1.2k
4. no problems with the fog light cover, air duct and grilles. See the other threads. you spend about 300+, you can DIY yourself to make it look like 118 easily....
You ask me, you do the math, and the choice the obvious. There are 2 schools of thought (1) get 116, have fun in modding to 118 like above mentioned. (2) just get 118 and remain stock as you so called 'have everything'.Or if budget is not an issue, get 118 and still mod even further!
So you decide what's best for yourself. Go test drive BOTH and ask the agent for the differences.
Have fun!
