2007 BMW 318 vs. 1981 BMW 528
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2007 BMW 318. (128 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 318 | 1981 BMW 528 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 528 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
