2008 BMW 525 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1998 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 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.1 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
