1981 BMW 518 vs. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1981 BMW 518 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 260 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, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 518 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 4637 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
