1974 BMW 518 vs. 1984 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1984 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 518 would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Chevrolet Caprice (149 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 480 kg more than 1974 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, 1984 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518. 1984 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1984 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 518 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2950 mm |
