2003 BMW 318 vs. 1991 BMW 518
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW 518 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1991 BMW 518.
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, 2003 BMW 318 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1991 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
