1981 BMW 518 vs. 1995 Peugeot 205
To start off, 1995 Peugeot 205 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Peugeot 205 (102 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Peugeot 205 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1995 Peugeot 205.
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, 1995 Peugeot 205, 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, 1981 BMW 518 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Peugeot 205. (122 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Peugeot 205.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1995 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | BMW | Peugeot |
| Model | 518 | 205 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 73.2 mm |
| 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 | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2430 mm |
