1988 BMW 316 vs. 1989 BMW 850
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316. 1989 BMW 850 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. 1989 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1989 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 7.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
