2008 BMW 320 vs. 1982 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1982 BMW 318. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1982 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1982 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, 2008 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 BMW 318. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 BMW 318. 1982 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1982 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1765 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
