1987 BMW 318 vs. 1992 BMW 540
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 684 kg more than 1987 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 1992 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2770 mm |
