1980 BMW 316 vs. 2011 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Sentra is newer by 31 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Sentra (200 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 321 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.
Because 1980 BMW 316 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Sentra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Nissan Sentra (244 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 316 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
