2009 BMW 550 vs. 1984 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 318 would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (657 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 554 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1984 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1984 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1984 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1984 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1766 cc |
| Horse Power | 657 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
