1981 BMW 628 vs. 1997 BMW 318
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 628 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1997 BMW 318. 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, 1981 BMW 628 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 628 | 1997 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 628 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
