1990 BMW M3 vs. 1992 BMW 518
To start off, 1992 BMW 518 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1992 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1992 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1992 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2770 mm |
