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 2,981 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 530 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 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 425 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 (410 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2005 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
