2008 BMW 318 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 4 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. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 555 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.
Because 2012 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW 318. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
