2003 BMW M3 vs. 1991 BMW 518
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 282 kg more than 1991 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1991 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
