1990 BMW 518 vs. 1959 BMW 700
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 518 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. 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, 1990 BMW 518 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 1959 BMW 700 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 700 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 695 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 50 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 126 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 31 L |
