1988 BMW 316 vs. 2011 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2011 Tesla Roadster is newer by 23 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. In terms of performance, 2011 Tesla Roadster (288 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Tesla Roadster should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 605 kg more than 2011 Tesla Roadster.
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, 2011 Tesla Roadster (400 Nm) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm). This means 2011 Tesla Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 2011 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | BMW | Tesla |
| Model | 316 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2352 mm |
