1981 BMW 518 vs. 1958 Rover P5
To start off, 1981 BMW 518 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Rover P5 (106 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1958 Rover P5 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P5 weights approximately 440 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, 1958 Rover P5 (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1958 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 1958 Rover P5 | |
Make | BMW | Rover |
Model | 518 | P5 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1958 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 106 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 222 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
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 | 1580 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4750 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1540 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2820 mm |