1998 BMW 318 vs. 2000 BMW 520
To start off, 2000 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 520 weights approximately 395 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, 2000 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2000 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2000 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
