1986 Rover 825 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Rover 825. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Rover 825 would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Rover 825 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1986 Rover 825. (118 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1986 Rover 825. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Rover 825 weights approximately 96 kg more than 2004 BMW 318.
Because 2004 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Rover 825, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1986 Rover 825 (268 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1986 Rover 825 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2004 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1986 Rover 825 has manual transmission. 1986 Rover 825 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:
| 1986 Rover 825 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Rover | BMW |
| Model | 825 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 268 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
