2005 BMW 318 vs. 1999 BMW 540
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 376 kg more than 2005 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, 1999 BMW 540 (439 Nm) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (200 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318. 2005 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1999 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4398 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 | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 439 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1771 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
