1990 BMW 518 vs. 2011 Subaru Forester

To start off, 2011 Subaru Forester is newer by 21 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Forester (224 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Subaru Forester weights approximately 209 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 2011 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 518. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester 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, 2011 Subaru Forester (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 2011 Subaru Forester 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. 2011 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1990 BMW 518 2011 Subaru Forester
Make BMW Subaru
Model 518 Forester
Year Released 1990 2011
Body Type Sedan SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1794 cc 2500 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line boxer
Horse Power 113 HP 224 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 161 Nm 306 Nm
Torque RPM 4250 RPM 2800 RPM
Drive Type Rear AWD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1360 kg 1569 kg
Vehicle Length 4730 mm 4559 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1781 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1699 mm
Wheelbase Size 2770 mm 2616 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 L 64 L