1981 BMW 518 vs. 2011 Dodge Durango
To start off, 2011 Dodge Durango is newer by 30 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Durango (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Durango weights approximately 1085 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, 2011 Dodge Durango (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518. 2011 Dodge Durango 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. 2011 Dodge Durango will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2011 Dodge Durango | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 518 | Durango |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1819 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3043 mm |
