1989 BMW 518 vs. 2008 BMW 650
To start off, 2008 BMW 650 is newer by 19 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 650 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 650 weights approximately 480 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, 2008 BMW 650 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518. 2008 BMW 650 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. 2008 BMW 650 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 2008 BMW 650 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 650 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2790 mm |
