1980 BMW 316 vs. 2010 BMW 125
To start off, 2010 BMW 125 is newer by 30 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 125 weights approximately 515 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, 2010 BMW 125 (271 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 2010 BMW 125 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 53 L |
