1974 BMW 518 vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 35 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 375 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, 2009 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 518 | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
