1988 BMW 316 vs. 2004 BMW 316
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 16 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 505 kg more than 2004 BMW 316.
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, 2004 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 2004 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 81 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| 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 | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
