1981 BMW 518 vs. 1993 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1993 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volkswagen Passat (172 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 264 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 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Volkswagen Passat (235 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1993 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 518 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
