1974 BMW 518 vs. 1987 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1987 Nissan Santana is newer by 13 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Nissan Santana (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Nissan Santana should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1987 Nissan Santana.
Because 1974 BMW 518 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Nissan Santana, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1974 BMW 518 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Nissan Santana. (143 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Nissan Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1987 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 518 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1987 |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2560 mm |
