1981 BMW 518 vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Insight (98 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Insight should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 110 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 Insight, 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 Insight (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 518 | Insight |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
