2006 BMW 525 vs. 2003 BMW 318
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 525 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 525. (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 525. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 525 | 2003 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
