1983 BMW 316 vs. 1988 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1988 Ford Sierra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 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 14 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Sierra 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Sierra 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 | 1988 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 316 | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
