2009 BMW 525 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1998 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 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2009 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
