1989 BMW 518 vs. 2002 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 13 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Prizm is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 518 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Prizm.
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, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 2002 Chevrolet Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518. 2002 Chevrolet Prizm has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 2002 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 518 | Prizm |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
