1990 BMW 518 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 113 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1990 BMW 518.
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, 2002 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
