2001 BMW 318 vs. 2008 BMW 540
To start off, 2008 BMW 540 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 4,398 cc, 2008 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 540 weights approximately 277 kg more than 2001 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, 2008 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2001 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2008 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4398 cc |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
