1998 BMW 318 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1998 BMW 318.
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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
