2008 BMW 523 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 62 kg more than 2001 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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2001 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
