1981 BMW 528 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2004 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 528 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 528 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 528 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
