1993 Alfa Romeo 155 vs. 1981 BMW 518
To start off, 1993 Alfa Romeo 155 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Alfa Romeo 155 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Alfa Romeo 155 (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Alfa Romeo 155 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Alfa Romeo 155 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1981 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 518 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Alfa Romeo 155, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1993 Alfa Romeo 155 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Alfa Romeo 155 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1993 Alfa Romeo 155 | 1981 BMW 518 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
Model | 155 | 518 |
Year Released | 1993 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1766 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 294 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |