1981 BMW 518 vs. 1993 Peugeot 405
To start off, 1993 Peugeot 405 is newer by 12 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 1,903 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Peugeot 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Peugeot 405 (152 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Peugeot 405 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Peugeot 405 weights approximately 40 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, 1993 Peugeot 405, 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, 1993 Peugeot 405 (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Peugeot 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1993 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | 518 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1903 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
