1981 BMW 518 vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1981 BMW 518 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1981 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | 220 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |
