1989 BMW 518 vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1989 BMW 518 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 518 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (93 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 518 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1989 BMW 518 (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 518 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2620 mm |
