1981 BMW 518 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is newer by 16 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 6,898 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (604 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 514 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR weights approximately 125 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (770 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 630 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | CLK GTR |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 6898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 770 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
