2004 BMW 118 vs. 1986 BMW 325
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 325 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 118 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1986 BMW 325.
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, 1986 BMW 325 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1986 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 118. 2004 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 1986 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 325 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
