1999 BMW 323 vs. 1981 BMW 518
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 18 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 290 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.
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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1999 BMW 323 | 1981 BMW 518 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 323 | 518 |
Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1766 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |