1981 BMW 528 vs. 2011 BMW 118
To start off, 2011 BMW 118 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2011 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 118 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1981 BMW 528.
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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 118. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 2011 BMW 118 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 528 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
