1980 BMW 316 vs. 1999 BMW 330
To start off, 1999 BMW 330 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 330 (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 330 weights approximately 630 kg more than 1980 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, 1999 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316. 1999 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 1999 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 63 L |
