2001 BMW 318 vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2001 BMW 318 | 1988 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 318 | 520 |
Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 174 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1570 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |