2006 BMW 530 vs. 1989 BMW 518
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 17 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 530 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518.
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, 2006 BMW 530 (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 530 | 1989 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
