1991 BMW 518 vs. 1981 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1991 BMW 518 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 208 (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1991 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, 1981 Ferrari 208 (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 1981 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 518 | 208 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2350 mm |
