2005 BMW 520 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2005 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 520 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 520 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1998 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, 2005 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 520 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
