2007 BMW 118 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 2007 BMW 118 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2007 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 345 kg more than 2007 BMW 118. 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 118. 2007 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 118 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
