1981 BMW 518 vs. 1998 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1998 Honda Prelude is newer by 17 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Prelude (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Prelude weights approximately 100 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, 1998 Honda Prelude, 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, 1998 Honda Prelude (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1998 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 518 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2590 mm |
