1974 BMW 518 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 14 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 335 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
