1990 BMW 518 vs. 2006 BMW 530
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 16 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 530 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518.
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, 2006 BMW 530 (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2006 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
