1991 BMW 316 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 1991 BMW 316 is newer by 1 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 518 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1991 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 316 weights approximately 150 kg more 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, 1990 BMW 518 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 316. (151 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 316 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 52 L |
