1990 BMW 518 vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (242 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 395 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.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy (297 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 518 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 64 L |
