1981 BMW 518 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1981 BMW 518 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 240 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2670 mm |
