1981 BMW 518 vs. 1989 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 1989 Subaru Legacy 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 1,820 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Subaru Legacy (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 100 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.
Because 1989 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 518. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Legacy (146 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1989 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 518 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1820 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2590 mm |
