1972 BMW 3 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 190 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
