1996 BMW 545 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 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 264 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 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 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 545 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 545 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 545 | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 545 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
