2005 BMW 318 vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 7 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 2012 BMW 525 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | 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 | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 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 | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
