1987 BMW 318 vs. 2009 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 22 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 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1742 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.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 BMW 318. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 2009 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | 318 | Defender |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2370 mm |
