2005 BMW 325 vs. 1989 BMW 518
To start off, 2005 BMW 325 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 325 (184 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 325 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. 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, 2005 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 325 | 1989 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 325 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
