1994 BMW 518 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1994 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Altima weights approximately 238 kg more than 1994 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 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 1994 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima, 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 518 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2675 mm |
