2002 BMW 318 vs. 1987 BMW M6
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW M6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW M6 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW M6 (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW M6 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2002 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, 1987 BMW M6 (334 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1987 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318. 2002 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW M6 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW M6 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 | 1987 BMW M6 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | M6 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
