1981 BMW 518 vs. 1991 Donkervoort S8
To start off, 1991 Donkervoort S8 is newer by 10 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Donkervoort S8 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Donkervoort S8 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1991 Donkervoort S8.
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, 1991 Donkervoort S8 (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Donkervoort S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1991 Donkervoort S8 | |
| Make | BMW | Donkervoort |
| Model | 518 | S8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1110 mm |
