1981 BMW 518 vs. 1994 Mazda 323
To start off, 1994 Mazda 323 is newer by 13 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 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda 323 (145 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mazda 323 weights approximately 70 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, 1994 Mazda 323, 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, 1994 Mazda 323 (183 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1994 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 518 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2610 mm |
