2009 BMW 118 vs. 1978 BMW 628
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 628 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118.
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, 1978 BMW 628 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1978 BMW 628 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 628 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
