1988 BMW 316 vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 316 (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 960 kg more than 1978 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry, 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, 1988 BMW 316 (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (102 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 316 | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2400 mm |
