2002 BMW 318 vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 2002 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2002 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 8.6 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 | 1500 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
