1981 BMW 518 vs. 2009 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1568 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 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 518. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 518 | 2009 Land Rover Defender | |
Make | BMW | Land Rover |
Model | 518 | Defender |
Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2402 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 360 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 94.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2708 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2000 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 2030 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2800 mm |