1982 Austin Ambassador vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Austin Ambassador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Austin Ambassador would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Austin Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1982 Austin Ambassador. (91 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1982 Austin Ambassador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 135 kg more than 1990 BMW 316.
Because 1990 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 1990 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Austin Ambassador, 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, 1982 Austin Ambassador (155 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1982 Austin Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Austin Ambassador | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | Ambassador | 316 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2580 mm |
