1988 BMW 316 vs. 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette
To start off, 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette is newer by 11 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 3,348 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette.
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, 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 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, 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316. 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette 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. 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 316 | Silhouette |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3348 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2850 mm |
