1981 BMW 518 vs. 2008 Mazda Premacy
To start off, 2008 Mazda Premacy is newer by 27 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 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda Premacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda Premacy (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda Premacy should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda Premacy weights approximately 245 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.
Because 1981 BMW 518 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda Premacy, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Mazda Premacy (171 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda Premacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2008 Mazda Premacy | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 518 | Premacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
