1991 BMW 518 vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1991 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 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1991 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1991 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
