2008 BMW 525 vs. 1987 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 529 kg more than 1987 BMW 318.
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 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318. 2008 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 1987 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 114 HP |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2580 mm |
