1983 BMW 525 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 525 (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1990 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
