1966 BMW 1600 vs. 2004 BMW 316
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1600. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1966 BMW 1600. 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, 2004 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1600. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1600. 2004 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1966 BMW 1600 has manual transmission. 1966 BMW 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1600 | 2004 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 1600 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 63 L |
