2008 BMW 118 vs. 1996 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 266 kg more than 2008 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, 1996 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 118 | 1996 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1496 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
