1990 BMW 518 vs. 1988 TVR S2
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 TVR S2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 TVR S2 would be higher. At 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 TVR S2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 TVR S2 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 TVR S2 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1988 TVR S2.
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, 1988 TVR S2 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 TVR S2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 1988 TVR S2 | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | 518 | S2 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2290 mm |
