1986 BMW 316 vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1986 BMW 316 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP) has 74 more horse power than 1986 BMW 316. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 875 kg more than 1986 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 316 | 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 316 | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3080 mm |
