1988 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 24 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 442 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
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, 2012 Nissan Altima, 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, 2012 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 316 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2675 mm |
