1981 BMW 518 vs. 2000 BMW 325
To start off, 2000 BMW 325 is newer by 19 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 325 (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 325 weights approximately 402 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, 2000 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2000 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2730 mm |
