2003 BMW 520 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 290 kg more than 2004 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 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
