2005 BMW 318 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 318 would be higher. Both 2005 BMW 318 and 2011 BMW 520 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318.
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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 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 | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
