1984 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 vs. 1981 BMW 518
To start off, 1984 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 is newer by 3 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 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 weights approximately 330 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, 1984 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 | 1981 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | Alfa 6 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.2 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
