1990 BMW 520 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 520 (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 72 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
