1981 BMW 518 vs. 1983 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1983 Nissan Laurel is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1983 Nissan Laurel.
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, 1983 Nissan Laurel (162 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1983 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 518 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| 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 | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
