1981 BMW 518 vs. 1996 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1996 Peugeot 406 is newer by 15 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, 1981 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Peugeot 406. (88 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1996 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1981 BMW 518.
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, 1996 Peugeot 406, 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Peugeot 406. (130 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Peugeot 406.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 1996 Peugeot 406 | |
Make | BMW | Peugeot |
Model | 518 | 406 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1618 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 88 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 130 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 73 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1240 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |