1984 BMW 316 vs. 1997 BMW 850
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 316 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 955 kg more than 1984 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (140 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1997 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 5379 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2690 mm |
