1974 BMW 518 vs. 1999 BMW 529
To start off, 1999 BMW 529 is newer by 25 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 529 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 529 (193 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 529 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 529 weights approximately 385 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, 1999 BMW 529 (410 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 529 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 1999 BMW 529 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 529 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
