1997 BMW 318 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1997 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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318. 2009 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 318 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
