1988 BMW 316 vs. 1990 BMW 730
To start off, 1990 BMW 730 is newer by 2 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 730 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1990 BMW 730.
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, 1990 BMW 730 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1990 BMW 730 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 730 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
