1981 BMW 518 vs. 1991 Holden Apollo
To start off, 1991 Holden Apollo 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Holden Apollo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Holden Apollo (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Holden Apollo should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Holden Apollo weights approximately 65 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 1981 BMW 518 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Holden Apollo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Holden Apollo (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Holden Apollo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518. 1991 Holden Apollo 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. 1991 Holden Apollo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1991 Holden Apollo | |
| Make | BMW | Holden |
| Model | 518 | Apollo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2610 mm |
