1989 BMW 850 vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 327 kg more than 2004 BMW 320. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 63 L |
