2000 BMW 318 vs. 1989 BMW 518
To start off, 2000 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 318 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 318 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. 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 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2000 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518. 2000 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 318 | 1989 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
