1981 BMW 518 vs. 2005 Chevrolet Astro
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Astro is newer by 24 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 4,294 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Astro (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 810 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, 2005 Chevrolet Astro (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2005 Chevrolet Astro | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 518 | Astro |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 4294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2830 mm |
