1987 BMW 318 vs. 2001 BMW M
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 14 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 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M weights approximately 409 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, 2001 BMW M (345 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 2001 BMW M | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | M |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |
