1981 BMW 518 vs. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado
To start off, 1981 BMW 518 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,964 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 1090 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.
Because 1981 BMW 518 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Cadillac Eldorado (433 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 1978 Cadillac Eldorado | |
Make | BMW | Cadillac |
Model | 518 | Eldorado |
Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 6964 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 171 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 433 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 103.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 103.1 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2040 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3210 mm |