1998 BMW 318 vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 8 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 2,497 cc, 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 560 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, 2006 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2497 cc |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1835 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 |
