2004 BMW 118 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 118 (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2004 BMW 118.
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, 2004 BMW 118 (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 2004 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
