1981 BMW 518 vs. 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia
To start off, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia 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 4,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia (570 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 480 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia weights approximately 345 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 Ferrari 458 Italia (539 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 399 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 518 | 458 Italia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 4500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 570 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 9000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4526 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1938 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1214 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2649 mm |
