2008 BMW 330 vs. 1974 BMW 518
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,991 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1974 BMW 518. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1974 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, 2008 BMW 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 518. (146 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1974 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 330 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2991 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
