1984 BMW 316 vs. 1997 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1997 Nissan Skyline 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 2,569 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Skyline (271 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 510 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.
Because 1984 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 1984 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Skyline, 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, 1997 Nissan Skyline (367 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316. 1984 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1997 Nissan Skyline has manual transmission. 1997 Nissan Skyline will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1997 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 316 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 2569 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
