1988 BMW 316 vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 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 27 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 1015 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 1981 Nissan Cherry has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 316 | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 825 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 |
