1981 BMW 518 vs. 2012 Honda Accord
To start off, 2012 Honda Accord is newer by 31 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Accord (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Accord weights approximately 474 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 1981 BMW 518 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Honda Accord, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Honda Accord (344 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518. 2012 Honda Accord 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. 2012 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2012 Honda Accord | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 518 | Accord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1847 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2799 mm |
