1974 BMW 518 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 16 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1990 BMW 316.
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, 1974 BMW 518 (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
