1991 BMW 318 vs. 1978 BMW 725
To start off, 1991 BMW 318 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 725 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1991 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 725 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 318.
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, 1978 BMW 725 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 318 | 1978 BMW 725 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 725 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
