1988 BMW 316 vs. 1973 BMW 3
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1973 BMW 3.
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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1973 BMW 3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3153 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
