1997 BMW 850 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 555 kg more than 2002 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (175 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2730 mm |
