1981 BMW 518 vs. 2013 Cadillac CTS-V
To start off, 2013 Cadillac CTS-V is newer by 32 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Cadillac CTS-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Cadillac CTS-V (548 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 458 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac CTS-V should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac CTS-V weights approximately 773 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, 2013 Cadillac CTS-V (747 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 607 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac CTS-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 2013 Cadillac CTS-V | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | 518 | CTS-V |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 548 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 747 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1913 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4788 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1884 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1422 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2880 mm |
