2009 BMW 520 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 5 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 115 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, 2009 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 520 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 10.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1470 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 Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
