1991 BMW 518 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1991 BMW 518 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 40 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | 190 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
