1974 BMW 518 vs. 1986 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1986 Ferrari 208 is newer by 12 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 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 108 kg more than 1986 Ferrari 208.
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, 1986 Ferrari 208 (329 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1986 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 518 | 208 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 253 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 74 L |
