2008 BMW 318 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2003 BMW 520.
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, 2008 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW 318 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 318 | 520 |
Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2171 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3000 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |