1998 BMW 318 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 13 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318.
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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2011 BMW 520 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. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
