1990 BMW 518 vs. 2006 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518.
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, 2006 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 2006 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2006 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
