1959 Berkeley B vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley B would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP) has 51 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley B. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 724 kg more than 1959 Berkeley B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW 316 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley B | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Berkeley | BMW |
| Model | B | 316 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 70 L |
