1988 BMW 525 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2004 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2004 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 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:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
