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 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 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.
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 @ 3900 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 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
