1987 BMW 318 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 114 kg more than 1987 BMW 318.
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, 1987 BMW 318 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
