1981 BMW 518 vs. 2006 BMW 760
To start off, 2006 BMW 760 is newer by 25 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 5,972 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 BMW 760 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 760 (439 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 349 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 760 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 760 weights approximately 1085 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, 2006 BMW 760 (600 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 760 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518. 2006 BMW 760 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. 2006 BMW 760 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2006 BMW 760 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 760 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 5972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3140 mm |
