1981 BMW 518 vs. 1972 BMW 2002
To start off, 1981 BMW 518 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 2002. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 2002 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 2002 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 2002 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 2002 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1972 BMW 2002.
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, 1972 BMW 2002 (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 2002 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 1972 BMW 2002 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 518 | 2002 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1972 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1990 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 160 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4240 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1600 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2510 mm |