1990 BMW 518 vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 19 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (268 HP @ 6650 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 185 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, 2009 BMW 330 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 518 | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 518 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6650 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 315 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 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.4 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
