2009 BMW 318 vs. 1990 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 525 (185 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 525 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2009 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, 1990 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 1990 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 219 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
