1988 BMW 316 vs. 1989 Fiat Croma
To start off, 1989 Fiat Croma 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 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Fiat Croma (116 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1989 Fiat Croma.
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, 1989 Fiat Croma, 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, 1989 Fiat Croma (245 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1989 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1989 Fiat Croma | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 316 | Croma |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 11.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
