1980 BMW 316 vs. 2008 BMW 545
To start off, 2008 BMW 545 is newer by 28 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 545 weights approximately 905 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, 2008 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 2008 BMW 545 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 545 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
