1988 BMW M5 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 653 kg more than 1990 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 M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
