1989 BMW 518 vs. 2004 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 Porsche 911 is newer by 15 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 911 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Porsche 911 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1989 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, 2004 Porsche 911 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518. 2004 Porsche 911 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. 2004 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 2004 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 518 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2360 mm |
