2008 BMW 320 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. 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 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
