1990 BMW 518 vs. 1986 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Suzuki Samurai 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 44 more horse power than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 518. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 1986 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | 518 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
