2003 BMW 530 vs. 1997 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 127 kg more than 1997 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 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 1997 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
