1995 BMW M5 vs. 1989 BMW 518
To start off, 1995 BMW M5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 518 would be higher. At 3,794 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M5 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1989 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, 1995 BMW M5 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M5 | 1989 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 518 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3794 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |
