1974 BMW 518 vs. 2001 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2001 Ford Taurus is newer by 27 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 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Taurus (201 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Taurus weights approximately 265 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.
Because 1974 BMW 518 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Ford Taurus (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518. 2001 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 2001 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 518 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
