1959 BMW 507 vs. 1989 BMW 518
To start off, 1989 BMW 518 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 507 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1989 BMW 518. 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, 1959 BMW 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 507 | 1989 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 507 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2770 mm |
