1974 BMW 518 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 145 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 M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 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 M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
