1998 BMW 318 vs. 2005 BMW 530
To start off, 2005 BMW 530 is newer by 7 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 530 weights approximately 295 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, 2005 BMW 530 (290 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2005 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2005 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
