1983 BMW 316 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,765 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 316 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1983 BMW 316.
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, 1983 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen 1600 has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
