1988 BMW 316 vs. 1998 BMW 740
To start off, 1998 BMW 740 is newer by 10 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 740 (286 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 740 weights approximately 128 kg more than 1988 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 BMW 740 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1998 BMW 740 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1968 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3080 mm |
