2001 BMW 318 vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2012 BMW 525 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 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 4480 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
