1988 BMW 316 vs. 2007 Saleen S7
To start off, 2007 Saleen S7 is newer by 19 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 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Saleen S7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Saleen S7 (750 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 664 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Saleen S7 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 593 kg more than 2007 Saleen S7.
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, 2007 Saleen S7 (949 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 822 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2007 Saleen S7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 2007 Saleen S7 | |
| Make | BMW | Saleen |
| Model | 316 | S7 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 750 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 949 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 399 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 2.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1981 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1041 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2692 mm |
