1994 BMW 518 vs. 2012 Seat Altea
To start off, 2012 Seat Altea 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Altea (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1994 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Altea weights approximately 32 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 Seat Altea, 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 Seat Altea (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 518. 2012 Seat Altea has automatic transmission and 1994 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1994 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Seat Altea will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 2012 Seat Altea | |
| Make | BMW | Seat |
| Model | 518 | Altea |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
