1990 BMW 518 vs. 2003 Seat Altea
To start off, 2003 Seat Altea is newer by 13 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 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 13 more horse power than 2003 Seat Altea. (100 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 2003 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2003 Seat Altea. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 518 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Seat Altea, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Seat Altea. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Seat Altea.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2003 Seat Altea | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 518 | Altea |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 12.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
