1981 BMW 518 vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 22 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 518 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
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, both vehicles can yield 140 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2003 Mazda Roadster 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. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 518 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2270 mm |
