2007 BMW 525 vs. 1996 BMW 318
To start off, 2007 BMW 525 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1996 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 525 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1996 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, 2007 BMW 525 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 525 | 1996 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
