1981 BMW 518 vs. 2009 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (232 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 528 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 530 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2009 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2890 mm |
