1981 BMW 518 vs. 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS
To start off, 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS is newer by 7 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 3,185 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS (270 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS weights approximately 133 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, 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 518 | 328 GTS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3185 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 73.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1273 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2360 mm |
