2009 BMW 118 vs. 1989 BMW 518
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 20 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 118 (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1989 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, 2009 BMW 118 (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518. 2009 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1989 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2770 mm |
