1985 BMW 316 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (168 HP) has 82 more horse power than 1985 BMW 316. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1985 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, 2010 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 316 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 168 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
