2009 BMW 650 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 2009 BMW 650 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 650 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 650 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1990 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 650 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 650 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 650 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
