1981 BMW 518 vs. 1999 Lexus IS
To start off, 1999 Lexus IS is newer by 18 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lexus IS weights approximately 260 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, 1999 Lexus IS (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518. 1999 Lexus IS 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. 1999 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 1999 Lexus IS | |
Make | BMW | Lexus |
Model | 518 | IS |
Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1988 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 153 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 195 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |