1988 BMW 530 vs. 2009 BMW 316
To start off, 2009 BMW 316 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 530 (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2009 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 218 kg more than 2009 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 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 316. 2009 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 530 | 2009 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
