2008 BMW 530 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2004 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 530 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2008 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 530 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
