1981 BMW 518 vs. 1998 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1998 Renault Safrane 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 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Safrane (113 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Safrane weights approximately 560 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 Renault Safrane, 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 Renault Safrane (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518. 1998 Renault Safrane 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. 1998 Renault Safrane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1998 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | BMW | Renault |
| Model | 518 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
