1975 BMW 316 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1975 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 316.
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, 2012 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 476 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 316. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1975 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1975 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 316 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
