2008 BMW 550 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 318 would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2002 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1995 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
