1981 BMW 518 vs. 1983 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1983 Toyota Celica 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Toyota Celica (115 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Toyota Celica weights approximately 25 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, 1983 Toyota Celica (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518. 1983 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1983 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | BMW | Toyota |
| Model | 518 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
