1981 BMW 518 vs. 1986 Holden Gemini
To start off, 1986 Holden Gemini is newer by 5 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1986 Holden Gemini. (66 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1986 Holden Gemini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1986 Holden Gemini. 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, 1981 BMW 518 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Holden Gemini. (110 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Holden Gemini. 1986 Holden Gemini 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. 1986 Holden Gemini will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1986 Holden Gemini | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | 518 | Gemini |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
