1959 BMW 700 vs. 1983 BMW 316
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,765 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 316 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 316 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. 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, 1983 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1959 BMW 700 has manual transmission. 1959 BMW 700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1983 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 700 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 1765 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 126 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
