1983 BMW 316 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Parati is newer by 13 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 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Parati is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Parati (91 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Parati should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 316 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Parati.
Because 1983 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 1983 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Parati, 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, 1996 Volkswagen Parati (148 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Parati will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Parati has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Parati 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 | 1996 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 316 | Parati |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2480 mm |
