1989 BMW 518 vs. 1996 Seat Marbella
To start off, 1996 Seat Marbella is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 518 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1996 Seat Marbella. (40 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1996 Seat Marbella. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 518 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1996 Seat Marbella. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Seat Marbella, 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, 1989 BMW 518 (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Seat Marbella. (60 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Seat Marbella.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 1996 Seat Marbella | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 518 | Marbella |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2170 mm |
