1987 BMW 318 vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 20 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 759 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, 2007 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
