2007 BMW 318 vs. 1981 BMW 518
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 26 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 318 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 440 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, 2007 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 518. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
2007 BMW 318 | 1981 BMW 518 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | 318 | 518 |
Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1766 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |