1988 BMW M3 vs. 2001 BMW 316
To start off, 2001 BMW 316 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2001 BMW 316. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 316 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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 M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2001 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
