1989 BMW 518 vs. 2011 Ford E-350
To start off, 2011 Ford E-350 is newer by 22 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford E-350 weights approximately 1381 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, 2011 Ford E-350 (474 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518. 2011 Ford E-350 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. 2011 Ford E-350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 2011 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 518 | E-350 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 2541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 2126 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3505 mm |
