2008 BMW 118 vs. 1993 BMW 856
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 856. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 856 would be higher. At 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 856 (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 856 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 480 kg more than 2008 BMW 118. 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 118 | 1993 BMW 856 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 856 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5576 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2690 mm |
