1989 BMW 518 vs. 2008 Honda Element
To start off, 2008 Honda Element 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 796 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.
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, 2008 Honda Element, 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, 2008 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518. 2008 Honda Element 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 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 2008 Honda Element | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 518 | Element |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
