1988 BMW 316 vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 20 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2008 BMW 530.
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, 2008 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.6 seconds | 7.1 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 | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
