1981 BMW 518 vs. 1995 Bristol Blenheim
To start off, 1995 Bristol Blenheim is newer by 14 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 5,896 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 Bristol Blenheim is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Bristol Blenheim (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Bristol Blenheim should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Bristol Blenheim weights approximately 605 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1995 Bristol Blenheim (440 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Bristol Blenheim will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518. 1995 Bristol Blenheim 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. 1995 Bristol Blenheim will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1995 Bristol Blenheim | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 518 | Blenheim |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 5896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2910 mm |
