1998 BMW 318 vs. 1992 BMW 540
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 406 kg more than 1998 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1992 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 3982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1721 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 |
