1981 BMW 518 vs. 2009 BMW 335
To start off, 2009 BMW 335 is newer by 28 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 335 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 335 weights approximately 462 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, 2009 BMW 335 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518. 2009 BMW 335 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. 2009 BMW 335 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2009 BMW 335 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 335 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1602 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
