1981 BMW 518 vs. 1992 Opel Astra
To start off, 1992 Opel Astra is newer by 11 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Opel Astra (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1992 Opel Astra.
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, 1992 Opel Astra, 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, 1992 Opel Astra (189 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1992 Opel Astra | |
| Make | BMW | Opel |
| Model | 518 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
