2001 BMW 318 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 11 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 395 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2012 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2001 BMW 318 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 318 | 520 |
Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |