1983 BMW 323 vs. 2005 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 323 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 343 kg more than 1983 BMW 323.
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, 2005 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 323 | 2005 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1127 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
