1996 BMW 525 vs. 2009 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 178 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. 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, 1996 BMW 525 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118. 2009 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
