1990 BMW 518 vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 228 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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
