1959 BMW 507 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 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 BMW 507 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 1959 BMW 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1959 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 507 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 507 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 70 L |
