1981 BMW 518 vs. 2008 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2008 Skoda Octavia 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Skoda Octavia (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 228 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 Skoda Octavia, 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 Skoda Octavia (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518. 2008 Skoda Octavia 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. 2008 Skoda Octavia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2008 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | BMW | Skoda |
| Model | 518 | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
