1968 BMW 1600 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1968 BMW 1600. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1968 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1968 BMW 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 BMW 1600. (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 BMW 1600 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 1600 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 70 L |
