1989 BMW 518 vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. 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, 2008 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
