1974 BMW 518 vs. 1998 BMW 323
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 24 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), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (169 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 190 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, 1998 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1998 BMW 323 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| 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 | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
