2003 BMW 318 vs. 1992 BMW 540
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 461 kg more than 2003 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1992 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1721 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.2 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.3 L/100km | 17.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
