1981 BMW 518 vs. 1989 Chevrolet Camaro
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Camaro is newer by 8 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 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Camaro (238 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Camaro should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518.
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, 1989 Chevrolet Camaro (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Camaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1989 Chevrolet Camaro | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 518 | Camaro |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 467 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
