2008 BMW 318 vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 318 would be higher. Both 2008 BMW 318 and 2009 BMW 520 are equipped with a 1,995 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2008 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, 2009 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 219 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
