1983 BMW 316 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 29 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 705 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
