2003 BMW 318 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 410 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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.2 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.3 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
