1981 BMW 528 vs. 2009 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 28 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 40 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 86 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, 2009 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 528. (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 528. 2009 BMW 118 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. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 528 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
