1974 BMW 518 vs. 1991 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1991 Toyota MR2 is newer by 17 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Toyota MR2 (154 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 518 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1991 Toyota MR2.
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, 1991 Toyota MR2 (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1991 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 518 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
