1954 BMW 502 vs. 1997 BMW 318
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,578 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1954 BMW 502. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1954 BMW 502 (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1954 BMW 502 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 1997 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 502 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
