1988 BMW 525 vs. 1994 BMW 316
To start off, 1994 BMW 316 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1994 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1994 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1994 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 189 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 52 L |
