1989 BMW 850 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1990 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 1989 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 52 L |
